“Give productivity a shot in the arm: How influenza
immunisation can enhance your bottom line!”
INFLUENZA
SYMPTOMS CAN INCLUDE
Commonly known as the ‘flu’, is a fast growing virus that is easily
spread from person to person through hands or infected droplets
in the air. The virus can survive a lifespan of an hour or more in
enclosed environments and hours longer amongst surfaces,
making it highly contagious!
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Fever & chills
Cough, sore throat & runny or stuffy nose
Muscle aches, joint pains
Headaches
Fatigue (tiredness)
Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Poor Appetite
Severe circumstances can lead to hospitalisation
Symptoms usually appear 2-4 days after exposure.
WHO IS AT RISK
PREVENTION & WHAT
THE WORKPLACE CAN DO
EVERYONE!
 Influenza is a VACCINE PREVENTABLE DISEASE
 Encourage all staff members to receive the flu vaccination.
 Individuals where possible, should receive the vaccination
yearly to maximize their immunity against the ever-changing
virus
 Provide hand sanitizers within the workplace
 ALWAYS wash your hands! (Alcohol based products or soap
and water are one of the most effective ways of destroying
the flu virus)
 Practice good COUGH and SNEEZE etiquette
 Cover your mouth & nose with a tissue or sleeve when
sneezing or coughing
 DISPOSE of tissues after use.
- Frequently CLEAN surfaces
- Further educate staff members on the influenza virus
TREATMENT
HOW THE WORKPLACE
IS AFFECTED
 Plenty of rest!
 If your health continues to deteriorate, please contact your GP.
 Affecting healthiness and lives of employers/employees
 Barriers to participation
 Staff absent from work due to illness
 Decrease in productivity
 Economic Burden (direct medical costs, work absences)
 Imbalance in the workplace
 Presenteeism
The act where employees continue to attend work after being
infected with a illness or disease.
PRESENTEEISM
90% of Australians risk the health of others within the workplace
to meet deadlines and due to the fear of not meeting their
employer’s expectations. More of a reason to GET VACCINATED!
FLU MYTHS
Not possible!
1. Vaccination can cause
Influenza
2. I’m young and healthy
and won’t get the flu
3. Vaccination will make me
ill
4. Vaccination is not
effective
5. I was vaccinated last year
– I’ll be fine for a while
Influenza vaccines in Australia do not contain any live viruses.
Therefore, if you do become sick after the vaccination, chances are
you were going to be sick regardless
False!
Anyone can get the flu. Being healthy and fit doesn’t protect you
against infection and in some instances people who perform
regular strenuous exercise can be more susceptible to infection.
False!
The most common reactions to the flu vaccine, are redness and
swelling at the injection sight. Adverse reactions to the vaccine are
rare. However, may occur in individuals that have severe egg
allergies.
False!
Vaccines are very effective In healthy individuals under 65, the
vaccine is 70-90% effective and reduces the cases of hospitalisation
and death in those aged 65+.
False!
It is important to get the most recent flu shot annually as your
immunity begins to fade and the flu virus is ever changing.
“BE FLU-SMART AND YOU’RE A LIFESAVER!”