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Flu Prevention at Work

Healthcare | 10-15 min

Summary

Seasonal influenza causes an estimated 9-45 million illnesses in the United States each year, resulting in 140,000-710,000 hospitalizations and 12,000-61,000 deaths. The flu spreads easily in workplaces where people share spaces, equipment, and air. A single infected person who comes to work can transmit the virus to multiple coworkers before symptoms even appear, creating an outbreak that can affect productivity for weeks. Indirect economic costs from flu-related absenteeism are estimated in the billions annually.

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Key Points to Cover

  • Annual flu vaccination is the best prevention
  • Stay home when you have flu symptoms
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Wash hands frequently
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should this safety talk take?

Plan for about 10-15 min, with extra time for questions and site-specific examples.

Can I tailor the discussion to my workplace?

Yes. Use the key points as a starting place and connect them to the tasks, equipment, and procedures your team uses.

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