Steer Clear of the Flu: Your Path Toward Good Health

Last year's flu season made international headlines, and no one wants a repeat performance. Public health officials expect, however, that the 2009-2010 flu season will be a tough one. What will you and your office or campus do to keep everyone flu free and healthy? Providence Health Plans is here to help.

Your primary weapons are prevention and education – how to avoid getting the flu and what to do if you see signs of illness. Now is a good time to put those tools into action – in the form of a "flu buster" campaign. Here are some ideas to help you and your office steer clear of the flu. This page will be updated with new information and free tools for you to use as necessary.

• Leadership messages – Write informative, motivational messages (via e-mail, newsletters and staff meetings) from your senior leadership about steps employees can take to protect themselves and their families from the flu.
  • Message to managers (DOC)
  • Message to employees (DOC)
• Newsletter articles – Include articles in your company newsletter that feature topics such as: recognizing signs of the flu, preventing the flu, and knowing when to stay home and go to a health care provider.
  • Newsletter article #1 (DOC)
  • Newsletter article #2 (DOC)
• Intranet articles – Post periodic articles about the flu on your Web site, with links to additional resources such as flu symptoms, flu prevention and when to call your doctor.
  • Intranet article (DOC)
  • Flu FAQs (DOC)
• Department/staff meetings – Talk about flu prevention tips and strategies in upcoming staff meetings, especially during prime flu season.
• Posters/fliers – Post awareness posters and fliers throughout your facility, sharing prevention strategies and warning signs of the flu.
  • Flu-buster poster (PDF)
• Flu fairs – Host a "flu fair" at your facility with informational booths, free antiseptic wipes and hand sanitizers, health care experts, flu shots and more.
• Office policies – Update or adopt a written policy for your company that outlines when employees should stay home if they show signs of the flu, how managers can provide flexibility that allows employees to work at home if sick, how to prevent further spreading of the flu virus if an employee is sick, and when sick employees can return to work.
  • Flu-buster office policy (DOC)
• Flu shots – Host an on-site flu vaccine day(s) at your facility or provide time off so employees can get their flu shot.

As your partner in keeping you, your employees and families healthy, Providence Health Plan encourages you to take these and other innovative steps this flu season. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the state of Oregon.