As we move towards winter it is anticipated that the pandemic HIN1 flu virus will become more prevalent. The chamber provides so advice for small businesses to assist them in surviving a problem.
From Kim Flayhart:
Last evening, I had the honor of attending a panel discussion meeting regarding the H1N1 Virus (a/k/a the Swine Flu) at the University of Maryland Medical Center. The panel discussion leaders were an extremely knowledgeable group of professionals in the field including Frances Philips, MHA, Department of Heath & Mental Hygiene, Anne Bailowitz, MD, MPH, Baltimore City Health Department, Meghan Butasek, MPH, Baltimore City Heath Department, Anthony D. Harris, MD, Specialist in Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Marianne Rowan-Braun, Head of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore, Inc., Marita Mike, MD, JD, Health Director, Center for Health & Homeland Security, University of Maryland School of Law and Rev. Al Bailey, Health & Wellness Ministry of the New Psalmist Baptist Church ( 7000 member congregation).
The panel discussed the facts and fiction dealing with the virus, what to do if you, a loved one, or co-worker contracts the virus and the need to develop a business plan in case this virus reaches mass proportions.
The H1N1 Virus has not proven to be a life threatening virus to most people. Symptoms include a fever generally in the 102-103 degree range, possible sore throat, nausea and/or vomiting. The flu typically lasts for 3-5 days and then is gone. Attached is a checklist for individuals and families. If you have these symptoms stay home. Do not return to work until you are fever free for 24 hours without the aid of any fever reducing medicine (Motrin, Advil, etc.). DO NOT go to the emergency room if you think you have the virus, unless you have major respiratory problems including shortness of breath. If this virus reaches the predicted proportions, emergency rooms will not only be inundated, but would not be able to handle the volume. Those people who come to the emergency room for severe injuries, heart attacks, strokes, etc. would be put at much greater risk. The emergency rooms would need to be sectioned off with tho! se infected and those who are not. There will be a whole priority issue. In other words, a total mess!
The real risk of an epidemic of major proportion is to pregnant women, children under the age of 6 months and those with very low immune systems (people with cancer, HIV, transplants, etc.). If pregnant women contract the virus, there is a much higher risk of premature delivery putting both the mother and baby at much greater risk. In the other two categories, contracting the virus could result in death. That is why it is so important to contain this Pandemic. For most people, however, it will just be another case of the flu.
What do you do? Develop a business plan in the event that a great number of your workers are out with the flu. Who is going to prepare payroll? Who is going to run operations? Be proactive, not reactive. If an employee is infected with the H1N1 Virus, those people in contact with that person should not take off work until they actually develop the symptoms of the flu. Finally, have everyone in your family and work place get the normal seasonal flu shot immediately. The H1N1 shot will be coming out reportedly some time in October. Again, everyone should get the H1N1 shot as soon as it is available. Schools should be giving shots to all students for free in the coming months. There is only a very minor risk involved in taking the vaccinations.
Protect your family, your staff, your employees and your co-workers.
As an aside, there is a new service in Maryland, "211 Maryland." At no charge (like 911), anyone can call 211 and ask any questions regarding health issues, financial issues or social issues. Phones are all manned 24/7 by professionals including nurses, social workers, etc.
More information and guidance is available here:
The center for disease control: 2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You
US Government Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
