Flu season – leave the red nose to Rudolph!
A highly transmissible strain of influenza A (H3N2, sometimes referred to in the news as “super flu”) is driving a tidal wave of infections, with hospital admissions rising sharply and NHS trusts declaring critical incidents due to soaring patient numbers.
Symptoms include high-temperatures, coughing, loss of appetite and general aches and pains. In more severe cases the virus can cause pneumonia and can be fatal to individuals with compromised immune systems.
With Britain currently hit by an unusually severe flu season, health and safety reps have an important role to play in protecting members at work, as well as employees identifying issues. In her latest blog, TUC’s health, safety and wellbeing policy lead, Shelly Asquith, reps are urged to take action to help reduce transmission and keep workplaces safer.
Employers sometimes downplay flu as ‘just a bad cold’, but the latest influenza A strain is highly contagious and causing significant disruption to hospitals, schools and many other workplaces.
Shelly’s blog highlights practical steps reps can push for, including:
Better ventilation and hygiene in shared spaces.
Flexible working and supportive sickness absence policies so people don’t feel pressured to come in when unwell.
Supporting flu vaccination, including paid time off to get jabs.
Updating risk assessments to include flu and other respiratory infections.
Check out Shelly’s full blog for detailed guidance and tips to help fight flu at work.
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