H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

Why Employers Should Care

For the first time in over 40 years, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a pandemic. On June 11, 2009, WHO raised its pandemic alert level to 6, the agency's highest alert level, meaning a pandemic (or global epidemic) was under way.

A flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population. That virus can cause serious illness worldwide and spread easily from person-to-person. A novel strain of H1N1 flu virus that was first identified in spring of 2009 and has become responsible for the world's present pandemic conditions.

Novel H1N1 flu virus may cause a more dangerous flu season with a lot more people getting sick, being hospitalized and dying than during a regular flu season. Like seasonal flu, illness in people with H1N1 can vary from mild to severe. Similarly, whereas most healthy people recover from the flu without problems, certain people are at high risk for serious complications.

What Can Employers Do?

During an influenza pandemic, large employers play a key role in promoting employee health and safety, protecting short-term corporate health, and limiting long-term economic fall out. Successful workplace pandemic response requires considerable preplanning. The Business Group recommends that employers of all sizes and industry types develop and test business continuity and response plans in the event of a pandemic.

Since November 2005, the Business Group has been educating large employers about pandemic preparedness. Our objectives have been to provide the membership with the information necessary to make informed business continuity planning decisions. This effort has resulted in a wide variety of resources tailored for a large employer audience. These resources can be accessed here.

As novel H1N1 flu has spread around the world, the Business Group has worked to remain up-to-date about both science and policies. A number of issues may be of particular interest to employers:

• Background
• Antivirals
• Vaccines
• Leave Policies
• Travel Warnings

For more information about general pandemic and business continuity planning, please see the Business Group's Pandemic Preparedness resources.

The novel H1N1 flu situation remains unpredictable and fluid. The Business Group urges its members to write to swineflu@businessgrouphealth.org if they have any questions or concerns.

All Business Group Resources/Publications This link will take you to a chronological list of Business Group resources that are related to this topic. For additional search options, please visit Publications. Most resources are available only to members of the National Business Group on Health and are designated with .

Pandemic Flu Alerts
Government Resources
Other Resources