If you are sick with flu-like illness, you should stay at home until your symptoms are gone.
This winter, influenza is likely to have an effect on businesses.
Flu is spread mainly from person-to-person through infected people coughing or sneezing. Particles from coughs and sneezes can remain infectious on people's hands and on surfaces around the workplace. To prevent the spread of influenza, use of hand washing facilities or alcohol-based hand-rub should be encouraged.
If staff are sick with an influenza-like illness, they should be advised to stay at home until well, and limit contact with other people to avoid infecting them.
You should ensure that commonly touched areas in the workplace are cleaned regularly, as influenza viruses can survive on hard surfaces for several hours.
Businesses can prepare for this flu season by:
People who have influenza typically experience some or all of the following symptoms:
It is important to seek immediate medical advice if the illness quickly becomes worse or if any of the following symptoms occurs:
Symptoms generally appear between two to four days after exposure.
Anyone can get influenza. Some people have been found to be more likely to develop severe illness from influenza. Please see the influenza fact sheet for more information on people at increased risk.
Planning for an influenza pandemic - Businesses, Government and Community Organisations
Protect yourself and your loved ones this winter