Swine Flu Being taken Seriously At The Corporate Level

There’s no doubt that the Swine Flu Virus (H1N1) epidemic is being taken seriously at all levels – even corporations. Below we’ve featured a memo (Swine Flu Warning / Alert) that was sent recently to all staff at a top Fortune 500 company.

To All XXXXX (Company Name Removed) Employees:

Normally the summer months are flu-free, but with the H1N1 virus, (Swine) globally we continue to see cases of flu. While it may not seem like H1N1 flu is causing as many cases, it is important that you continue to stay vigilant and follow good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the virus. The CDC discontinued reporting of individual confirmed and probable cases of novel H1N1 infection on July 24, 2009. The CDC is still reporting the total number of hospitalizations and deaths weekly, and continues to use its traditional surveillance systems to track the progress of the novel H1N1 flu outbreak. As of the last report on August 13, there have been 7,511 hospitalized cases and 477 deaths from H1N1 in the United States.

At this time XXXXX-company will remove signage that encouraged everyone to refrain from shaking hands/hugging when greeting visitors and others. We will continue to provide sanitizers for your use and encourage good hygiene practices throughout the year. With the uncertainty of what the upcoming flu season will bring, we will continue to provide information on H1N1 and other flu related issues as important information becomes available. We may also need to implement restrictions on travel, visitors and meetings again depending on the severity of the flu this fall. Attached you will find a helpful brochure from Aetna with tips to avoid infections and stay healthy. The brochure emphasizes the importance of washing your hands and how this can protect you from all types of illnesses.

Traveling for business or pleasure can increase your risk of contracting and spreading any virus including H1N1. Taking some simple precautions while you are away, can help prevent you from getting the flu and other illnesses. Also, being aware of the signs and symptoms of influenza when you return from your trip will help prevent the spread of the virus to coworkers and others. Attached you will find a brochure prepared by xxxxx-company with prevention recommendations for travelers.

There is currently a vaccine in production for H1N1, which will likely be available sometime this fall. This vaccine is not meant to replace the regular flu vaccine (which could be available as early as late August this year) but is a separate vaccination to help prevent H1N1 flu. We encourage all of you to talk to your personal physician and get vaccinated when both vaccines become available.

Thank you,