Influenza can spread in the workplace or school setting, so it is important for employees, employers, administrators, students, parents, and staff alike to be prepared for the flu season and prevent illness.
Recommendations for Businesses
- Make sure your workplace has enough tissues, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand rubs, and disposable wipes.
- Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces, including doorknobs, keyboards, and phones to help remove germs.
- Create policies that give employees time to get vaccinated and a sick leave policy that encourages them to stay home when sick.
- Promote flu vaccines by offering an onsite vaccination clinic.
- If an onsite clinic is not possible, encourage vaccination by:
- Use employee newsletters, posters, and other print materials that provide locations and resources for flu vaccination.
- Train others on how to do different tasks so they can cover for employees that have to stay home.
- Businesses are encouraged to report suspected flu outbreaks using the VDH online reporting portal.
Resources for Businesses
- Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Influenza in Non-Healthcare Group Settings (VDH)
- Flu Resources for Business (CDC)
- Everyday Preventive Actions (CDC) (PDF)
- VDH Print Resources
Recommendations for Schools and Childcare Settings
- Encourage children/students, parents, and staff to get a yearly flu vaccine.
- Use school newsletters, posters, and other print materials that provide locations and resources for flu vaccination.
- Use posters and other resources to encourage them to take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs:
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and dispose of used tissues immediately in the trash.
- Remind everyone to keep their hands clean.
- Wash your hands with soap and water when visibly dirty (such as after coughing or sneezing).
- Wash hands after using the restroom and before eating or preparing food.
- Avoid touching the nose, mouth, and eyes. Germs spread that way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are touched often, especially when someone is ill. This includes desks, countertops, doorknobs, and faucets.
- Stay home when you’re sick.
- Establish relationships with state and local health officials for ongoing communication.
- Schools and childcare programs are required to report suspected flu outbreaks and can do so using the VDH Reporting Portal.
Resources for Schools and Childcare Providers
- Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Influenza in Non-Healthcare Group Settings (VDH)
- Flu Information for Schools & Childcare Providers (CDC)
- Everyday Preventive Actions (CDC) (PDF)
- Nonpharmaceutical interventions: Child care and K-12 schools (CDC)
- VDH Communicable Disease Reference Chart for School Personnel (PDF) English, Spanish
- VDH Print Resources
Last updated August 25, 2023