H1N1 Influenza and the Workplace
In its current form, the H1N1 influenza virus (“swine flu”) usually causes milder symptoms than the regular, seasonal flu. There have been deaths from it, but far fewer than the seasonal flu causes every year.
However, H1N1 is a new strain of flu, which means more people are likely to be infected because they will not have built up immunity to it.
As we all know from the seasonal flu, outbreaks come in waves, because some people who are sick infect others, who in turn affect others, and so on.
The next wave of H1N1 is expected to begin somewhere between mid-September and mid-October, 2009. It will likely last several months.
Although H1N1 is no worse than seasonal flu, we all want to do everything we can to stay healthy, and to protect those around us from getting sick.
There is excellent information from the Yukon’s Medical Officer of Health, about H1N1 and how to deal with it at this site. The information there is updated regularly, so bookmark the site and refer to it any time you have questions.
The information provided here on the Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board web site will focus on common questions from employers and workers about H1N1 and the workplace.
Click here to read answers to questions about employer and worker responsibilities, rights, and solutions when dealing with H1N1 influenza in the workplace.
Yukon Workers' Compensation Health and Safety Board
