H1N1 (Swine Flu) Update
On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised its pandemic alert to phase 6 — pandemic influenza — due to the worldwide spread of the H1N1 virus. WHO indicates the virus is spreading easily from person to person and country to country, but emphasizes that most patients currently experience mild to moderate symptoms and make a full and rapid recovery.
The recent H1N1 pandemic illuminates the importance of government and employer planning and preparedness.
For the latest information on the recent H1N1 pandemic, as well as additional resources, please visit:
World Health Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
The Hewitt bulletin, H1N1 Influenza — Employer Pandemic Planning, provides some key actions employers should consider taking to ensure their organization is prepared for the upcoming influenza season. It also includes Hewitt and external resources that may be helpful to employers during their pandemic planning activities.
In addition, the following resources may be useful to employers in their pandemic influenza preparedness efforts.
U.S. Federal Initiatives
In an effort to address the potential impact of an influenza pandemic, the U.S. government has issued the following reports, which include detailed information for employers and workplaces:
Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to the 2009-2010 Influenza Season, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to help employers prepare for seasonal and H1N1 flu.
Interim Pre-Pandemic Planning Guidance: Community Strategy for Pandemic Influenza Mitigation in the U.S. by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and CDC. Important highlights for employers include:
- Community Mitigation Strategy by Pandemic Severity (Table, page 12)
- Planning Guide for Businesses and Other Employers (Appendix 4, pages 79-82)
Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist, by the HHS and CDC, to help employers make advance preparations for an influenza pandemic.
Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic by the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Important highlights for employers include:
- The Difference Between Seasonal, Pandemic Influenza and Avian Influenza
- How a Severe Pandemic Influenza Could Affect Workplaces
- Classifying Employee Exposure to Pandemic Influenza at Work (including an Occupational Risk Pyramid for Pandemic Influenza)
Avian Flu: Background and Potential Impact on Employers
Hewitt Associates has compiled information specific to human-to-human transmission of the Avian Flu virus (H5N1), including guidelines for employers in the event of an Avian Flu outbreak or pandemic. This report also provides useful resources for any influenza outbreak or pandemic. Visit Avian Flu: Background and Potential Impact on Employers for more information.
If you would like additional information about how you can prepare your business and employee benefits plans for an influenza pandemic, please contact Hewitt Associates.
Related Avian Flu Items:
