TLC Staffing - Employees: H1N1 Policy

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Employees ~ H1N1 Policy

Important Health Memo and Policy Regarding H1N1 Virus (“Swine Flu”)

Dear Employee,

The emergence of a novel H1N1 (swine) influenza strain became world-wide news in April 2009. This strain of influenza is unlike any strains that have circulated in recent decades, leaving children and young and middle aged adults fully susceptible to this virus. TLC Staffing, like many other companies, was spared the full impact of this viral infection in the spring of 2009. However, U.S. public health authorities are anticipating more widespread infection this fall and winter, so we would like to update you on TLC Staffing’s recommendations for your personal health, as well as company protocol to help support the prevention of widespread H1N1 influenza infection this year.

Illness prevention
Please be aware that the most important tools you have to protect yourself from H1N1 infection are the following:

Careful attention to personal hygiene such as washing hands frequently and covering your mouth when coughing can help prevent the spread of disease. There is no absolute evidence or agreement among health professionals that face masks will protect you fully from spreading or inhaling the virus, but if you chose to wear a face mask, you should chose one rated N95 or higher.

Alcohol-based sanitizers can also quickly kill viruses and bacteria, and are easy to carry in your briefcase or purse, for use before eating, after using the restroom, or after shaking multiple hands at a large gathering.

In addition, all employees are strongly encouraged to get both a seasonal influenza vaccine. We will be arranging for US Healthworks to administer regular flu shots within the next few weeks for TLC Staffing’s employees and an H1N1 vaccine (as soon as it is available). More information regarding H1N1 vaccine supplies should be available in October.

The H1N1 virus is spread from one person to the other by means of contaminated droplets. These droplets are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. (Nasal congestion and sneezing are uncommon with the flu). The virus is not airborne and therefore does not linger in the air waiting to be inhaled. When a person coughs, the infected droplets travel about 1 meter before they fall on the surrounding surfaces. The influenza virus can survive for up to 7 hours on hard surfaces.

Therefore, if you touch a contaminated surface or shake hands with an infected person who has not washed their hands and then you touch your own eyes, nose or mouth, you could get infected. The closer the physical contact with an infected person, the greater the risk of getting the flu. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. If you have the flu and are coughing without covering your mouth, you are likely spreading the virus to others.

What to do if you become ill*
If you have flu symptoms, TLC Staffing is asking you to “self isolate”: stay home and contact TLC Staffing right away so that we can contact your assignment manager, keep away from others, and get plenty of rest. You should not go out except to get medical care or for other necessities for the duration that you are experiencing a fever. Once you no longer have a fever you should remain “self isolated” for an extra 24 hours before returning to your normal activities (fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medication).

Note: the Centers for Disease Control does not recommend nor guarantee the use of surgical masks or other face masks or respirators as a prevention method for the average citizen. Face masks are only recommended for healthcare professional who are in close, physical contact with sick patients such as nurses, doctors and paramedics. Surgical masks are given to people in hospital or medical clinic waiting rooms who have flu like symptoms and are coughing. This is meant to limit the spread of contaminated droplets they may be producing when they cough, while they wait for further medical assistance and treatment.

Groups at Higher Risk for Severe Illness from Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Infection
Groups of people at higher risk for severe illness from novel influenza A (H1N1) infection are thought to be the same as those people at higher risk for severe illness from seasonal influenza. These groups include:

Children younger than 5 years old

Persons aged 65 years or older

Children and adolescents (younger than 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection

Pregnant women

Adults and children who have asthma, chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders such as diabetes;

Adults and children who have suppressed immune systems (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV)

Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.

* If you are diagnosed with H1N1 (“Swine Flu”):
If you are diagnosed with H1N1 Virus, you, an immediate family member, or your doctors office must contact TLC Staffing immediately and you will be required to submit a doctor’s statement to confirming your illness. Additionally, you will be required to submit a doctor’s statement confirming your ability to return to work. Your doctor’s office may email statements on your behalf to shannon@tlcstaffing.com.

More information information is available at www.flu.gov.

TLC Staffing appreciates you and the work you do for us. It is our fervent wish that you and your family remain safe and healthy in 2009 and beyond!