Communication Tools About Flu for Businesses - Staying Healthy

February 17, 2009 1:00 PM ET

• Coordinate efforts with your local health department before distributing this letter or e-mail communication to ensure that all information is timely, relevant, and accurate.
• Visit Flu.gov to customize a Microsoft Word version of this letter and to view more flu information to share with employees.
• Consider customizing by using your business stationery or e-mail template, inserting a name and contact information of someone employees can reach for flu questions, adding the signature line of the owner, president, etc.

Staying healthy

Important Actions to Take to Stay Healthy

• Get vaccinated for 2009 H1N1 flu seasonal flu. For more information about seasonal flu vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm. [insert information about vaccination clinics at the workplace or other ways your business can support getting vaccinated].
• Get the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine, if you are at higher risk for flu complications. These people include: children younger than 5 years old, but especially children younger than 2 years old; people aged 65 years or older; pregnant women; adults and children who have asthma, neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions; chronic lung disease; heart disease; blood disorders; endocrine disorders, such as diabetes; kidney, liver, and metabolic disorders; weakened immune system due to disease or medication; and people younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy. More information on people at higher risk for flu complications is available here.
• Every time you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and throw used tissues in the trash.
• Wash your hands often, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use alcohol-based hand rubs if soap and water are not available.
• Wash your hands before and after preparing food or eating; after using the restroom; before and after touching your nose, eyes, or mouth; and after touching items that may have been exposed to bodily fluids
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• If you are at higher risk for complications from the flu, talk to your health care provider about what you will need to do if you get sick. People at higher risk for flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes).

Contact [insert name, telephone, e-mail] if you have any questions.