Every medical advice regarding Swine Flu emphasises the importance of avoiding crowded places in case you develop characteristic Swine Flu symptoms.

But there are some crowded places which you can't avoid and must spend hours in, like your place of work. Therefore, businesses are important players in slowing down the spread and impact of swine flu.

MyHealthPortal Swine Flu service helps you protect yourself during working hours with the work space guidelines that could help you, your co-workers and your employer to create a healthy working environment which would be as safe as possible.

1. Basic guidelines to prevent distribution of the virus at work

There are some basic guidelines which you, your colleagues and your employer should maintain during working hours in order to prevent virus transfer:

• Always carry tissues
• Use clean tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze
• Bin the tissues after one use
• Wash your hands with soap and hot water or a sanitizer gel often
• Keep sanitizer gel on your desk and in all communal areas – and encourage everyone to use it!
• Make sure to regularly disinfect office supplies such as phone receivers, keyboards and mousses
• Occasionally open the windows

Do not go to work if you suspect you have Swine Flu. You will be putting your colleagues and employer at risk. Only go back to work when you are completely well – you can have up to 7 days off sick with a self certificate, after this you will need a sick note from your doctor.

To learn more about Swine Flu treatment log-on to MyHealthPortal Swine Flu service page. MyHealthPortal's subscribers are also eligible for a 24/7 support line from a local reliable medical team, through a verity of communication methods:

·                     Phone: 020-7486-2300

·                     SMS: +44 (0)-7797-805-817

·                     Mail: medicalteam@myhealthportal.co.uk

·                     Via the MediQuest Box at www.myhealthportal.co.uk

2. Working parents

Many working moms and dads are probably wondering how the possible closing of their child's school or kindergarten will affect their availability to work. As closures would present a challenge for working parents, schools will only be closed in exceptional circumstances. In the case of closure, parents will have to make arrangements for the children. It should be matter to discussion with the employer about alternative options, such as work from home, work flexible or shorter hours or make informal childcare arrangements with a relative or friend.

 
Back to Swine Flu service page