INFLUENZA PREVENTION IN

THE WORKPLACE

Keri W
Durham College, COMM-2710
Table of Contents

Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................... i

Table of Figures ............................................................................................................................................ ii

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 1

Hand Washing............................................................................................................................................... 2

Clean and Sanitize Work Area ...................................................................................................................... 3

Vitamin D ..................................................................................................................................................... 5

Conclusion .................................................................................................................................................... 6

Works Cited .................................................................................................................................................. 8

i
Table of Figures

Figure 1 Proper hand washing instructions, (DPHHS, n.d.) ......................................................................... 3

Figure 2 Germs in the Office, (Phillips Janitorial Services, 2016) ............................................................... 4

Figure 3 Tolerable levels of Vit D, (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2018) ....................... 6

ii
Influenza Prevention in the Workplace

Introduction

During the flu season, anywhere from October through May, influenza A and B, spread like

wildfire in all parts of North America. Within weeks a few isolated cases can spread to 100’s, or

1000’s. The Center for Disease Control estimates the cost to businesses from influenza is $16.3

billion in lost earnings annually (CDC Foundation , n.d.).

“Each year up to 7 million Canadians get the flu” (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2015). For a

small business, this can be detrimental to their productivity during the flu season. For the

prevention of spreading the flu, it is recommended to stay off work for a minimum of five days

after flu symptoms appear, or three days after symptoms disappear. However, Everyday Health

says influenza symptoms can last up to two weeks (Connor, 2018). Health Canada highly

recommends that everyone gets the flu vaccine to prevent contracting the flu or to decrease the

severity of it (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2015). Is this effective enough? Is vaccine

compliance sufficient enough to justify this being the only prevention used by businesses?

There are several issues to consider against the use of the influenza vaccine alone as prevention.

For one the effectiveness of the vaccine in years when the wrong strain is chosen to create the
INFLUENZA PREVENTION IN THE WORKPLACE 2

vaccine. Business Insider claims the 2017/2018 flu season was particularly difficult and lengthy,

as the CDC was unable to match the vaccine to the strain that was most prevalent. (Gillett, 2018)

“The CDC reports that across the country, hospitals are seeing roughly twice the typical baseline

of patients with flu-like symptoms, and the 2017 flu shot isn't working very well against one of

the most common strains of the virus” (Gillett, 2018). Another consideration is lack of

compliance both with receiving the vaccine and with remaining quarantined until the symptoms

are gone, meaning you are no longer contagious. Statistics Canada reports that only one-third of

Canadians over the age of 12 received the flu vaccine in 2013-2014 (Statistics Canada, 2015). As

well, most part-time employees do not receive pay for sick days; Business Insider reports that

“those who get paid for sick days are more likely to self-quarantine when necessary, without the

worries of losing their job or income, while also not spreading illness to others” (Gillett, 2018).

These statistics show that leaving protection to a vaccine alone would not be enough to protect

the majority from contracting influenza.

This report will look at ways to help fight against the flu by highlighting three options that can be

used in conjunction with the flu vaccine. The three treatments being looked at are hand washing,

proper sanitizing of work and high touch areas, and Vitamin D. It is the goal of this report to find

ways to lessen the risk of employees being off sick with the flu, and thus businesses from loss of

productivity.

Hand Washing

CDC reports that “good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands can help

stop the spread of the flu” (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018). This alternative is

quick, inexpensive, and an easy policy for most workplaces to follow. However, “one study of
INFLUENZA PREVENTION IN THE WORKPLACE 3

eighth graders in Hamilton Ontario found that only 46% - 60% of germs were removed” (Bialik,

2009). One can assume from this study that most people, even adults in a hurry can lack a little

when it comes to hand washing. The steps shown in figure 1, illustrate in detail the correct order

for handwashing which has been proven to reduce respiratory illnesses in the community by 16 -

21% (Department of Epidemiology, 2008). These steps focus on often overlooked areas,

including the back of the hand, between the fingers and under the fingernails.

Figure 1 Proper hand washing instructions, (DPHHS, n.d.)

Clean and Sanitize Work Area

There is a significant difference between cleaning a surface and disinfecting it. Cleaning only

removes dirt and debris. Disinfecting is eliminating the germs or bacteria that can live on

surfaces and potentially infect the next person who touches it. WebMD suggests that depending

on the surface, a flu virus can survive up to 48 hrs (Griffin, 2007). During the flu season, it

should be recommended to not only clean but disinfect all high touch areas such as table tops,
INFLUENZA PREVENTION IN THE WORKPLACE 4

phones, computers and door knobs. Germs remain on everything we touch, and even with careful

hand washing, it is possible to spread germs.

“Two hundred million. That’s the number of germs that are found on an average cell phone”

(Scientific American, 2016). Figure 2 below gives an idea of the number of germs in the typical

work environment.

Figure 2 Germs in the Office, (Phillips Janitorial Services, 2016)

WebMD recommends the use of a disinfectant that contains bleach to kill the highest number of

bacteria on surfaces (Griffin, 2007). Creating a daily cleaning and sanitizing schedule in the

office is something that would be easy to develop and follow through on. The cost of most

cleaners with bleach is inexpensive and easy to use and would only require a quick training and

proper MSDS sheet. A concern about this would be any staff that have sensitivities to bleach.
INFLUENZA PREVENTION IN THE WORKPLACE 5

Vitamin D

Supplements can be a great way to give your body an extra boost to keep it healthy enough to

fight off illnesses. Optimally with perfect nutrition and no stress supplements would not be

needed; however, this is not reality. Most people do not eat an ideal diet, and everyone

experiences stress, both of which can wear down one’s ability to stay healthy during the flu

season. Vitamin D, which is naturally produced in the body by exposure to sunlight, is believed

to help boost your immunity.

“Unfortunately, up to 90% of people are deficient in vitamin D. Recent research shows that low

vitamin D levels are linked to higher rates of cold, flu and respiratory infections” (Dr. Axe,

2018). The Jikei University School of Medicine in Japan did a double-blind study of school-age

children taking Vitamin D daily and found a decrease in influenza A cases (Division of

Molecular Epidemiology, 2010). The research team at Examine says regular supplementation of

vitamin D is encouraged due to its many health benefits, especially in areas with shorter days

seen in winter months (Patel, 2018), which also happens to be Ontario’s peak flu season. This

research team also suggests for the best absorption of vitamin D it should be taken with a fat, like

fish oil (Patel, 2018). There is some variance on the recommended daily allowance, and since

vitamin D can be toxic in high doses, it is important to follow doctors’ advice before taking.

Figure 3 on page 6 shows the maximum limits per age group for vitamin D supplements.
INFLUENZA PREVENTION IN THE WORKPLACE 6

Figure 3 Tolerable levels of Vit D, (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2018)

Conclusion

Although handwashing seems like the most natural choice, compliance for proper hand washing

is personal and can be difficult to monitor. However, it is recommended to contact the Durham

Region Health Department, as they offer free posters on proper hand washing techniques that can

be displayed in the office washrooms. Vitamin D usage is highly effective but comes with some

risks. Without knowing employee health records, and obtaining doctors permission, it is difficult

to recommend this supplement across the board to all staff. The risk of interaction with other

medication and toxicity is too high for a business to take on. Using proper disinfecting

techniques would be something a company could easily implement and monitor. It is

recommended that the office create a daily and a weekly cleaning schedule that would include

disinfecting routines of high touch areas during peak flu seasons. To encourage all staff to

participate it is recommended to circulate a memo on the use including the proper use and
INFLUENZA PREVENTION IN THE WORKPLACE 7

benefits of this new routine. Creating documentation that will track this new routine will ensure

the highest level of compliance. This new cleaning strategy, along with the flu vaccine would

provide the most protection against the spread of influenza in the office environment.
INFLUENZA PREVENTION IN THE WORKPLACE 8

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Department of Epidemiology. (2008, 06 12). Effect of hand hygiene on infectious disease risk in the

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INFLUENZA PREVENTION IN THE WORKPLACE 9

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