Commonly known as the flu, influenza is a highly contagious virus that thrives in the workplace during the winter months. Approximately 20-25 per cent of workers become infected each year. It is spread through contact with airborne droplets from a cough or sneeze and often finds itself lodged on everyday workplace items such as phones, keyboards, lift buttons and door handles.

The multitude of symptoms includes headache, muscle aches and joint pains, nausea and extreme exhaustion. For those who have experienced a bout of the flu, the vote is unanimous – it is something they never want to experience again! For employers, it can create its own set of problems with more than 1,000,000 working days lost each year due to influenza. Affected employees can be absent for an average of 3-5 days followed by weeks of fatigue. Spikes in sick leave and lost productivity significantly disturb the operations of businesses large and small each year.

The good news is flu vaccinations are up to 90 per cent effective in providing immunity from influenza, and to reduce the inconvenience and time required to see a doctor, flu vaccinations can be delivered onsite.

The most effective time for flu vaccinations is during autumn, prior to the winter months. It is important to note that the vaccination takes two weeks to come into effect post administration.

Apart from an annual vaccination, maintaining optimal health and practicing good personal hygiene (i.e. frequent hand washing) will further help reduce the risk of infection.

Although there is nothing that can guarantee 100 per cent protection against the flu, a vaccination program may be a step in the right direction for your business.

For more information please contact John Wigg, WorkHealth Project Manager, at VECCI on 8662 5132 or jwigg@vecci.org.au