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As the UK grapples with a significant flu outbreak, HR managers and employers face the challenge of maintaining productivity while safeguarding employee health. This winter has seen a sharp rise in the spread of flu cases, with over 5,000 patients hospitalised due to influenza in the first week of January 2025 alone. The impact on businesses is substantial, with increased absenteeism and potential disruptions to operations. However, with the right strategies in place, companies can support people with flu and maintain a healthy, happy and productive workforce. 

Understanding the current flu situation 

The 2024-2025 flu season has proven particularly severe, with hospitalisations due to influenza reaching levels 3.5 times higher than the same period last year. This surge in seasonal influenza cases has put significant pressure on health services and is now spilling over into the workplace. The strain of flu virus circulating this year appears to be causing more severe symptoms, leading to longer recovery times and increased absenteeism. 
 
For businesses, this translates to potential staffing shortages, reduced productivity, and a greater need for corporate health services. HR managers and business owners can take proactive steps, however, to protect their workforce. 

Distinguishing flu from other illnesses 

One of the challenges in managing this outbreak is distinguishing flu from other common winter ailments, such as colds or COVID-19. While these illnesses share some flu-like symptoms, there are key differences that employees should be aware of. We touch on these below, but this is not a replacement for a diagnosis: if you have any respiratory symptoms or concerns about an influenza-like illness in yourself or your employee we do urge you to see a healthcare professional. 
 
Flu vs. common cold 
 
Flu typically comes on suddenly and is more severe than a cold. Flu symptoms often include high fever, body aches, extreme fatigue, and dry cough. Colds, on the other hand, usually develop gradually and cold symptoms are generally milder, with symptoms like a runny nose or stuffy nose, sore throat, and mild fatigue. 
 
Flu vs. COVID-19 
 
While both flu and COVID-19 can cause fever, cough, and fatigue, there are some distinguishing factors. COVID-19 is more likely to cause loss of taste or smell, and symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Flu symptoms typically develop 1-4 days after infection. However, because of the overlap in symptoms, testing is often necessary for a definitive diagnosis. Both inflenza and COVID-19 are caused by a virus. 
 
Can I take antibiotics? 
 
Both flu and colds are caused by a virus - but antibiotics are for bacterial infections. Viruses and bacteria have a different structure and a different way of surviving. Unlike, bacteria, viruses do not have cell walls that can be attacked by antibiotics. Antibiotics don't work on viruses. 

Educating your workforce 

Knowledge is power when it comes to managing health in the workplace. Providing clear, accurate information about flu symptoms, prevention, and treatment can help employees make informed decisions about their health and reduce the person-to-person spread of illness within the office. 
 
Consider organising informational sessions or distributing materials that cover: 
 
The symptoms of flu and how they differ from colds and COVID-19 
The importance of knowing when to stay away if you are feeling sick, and when to seek medical care 
Proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette to minimise spread of the influenza virus 
The benefits of flu vaccination 
Risks in the community, including on public transport and areas of population 
 
Remember, workplace wellbeing is not just the right thing to do, it also makes good business sense. By educating your staff, you're investing in their health and the overall productivity of your company. 

Implementing preventative measures 

Prevention is key to minimising the impact of flu on your workforce. Here are some strategies to consider: 
 
Promote vaccination 
 
Flu vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent influenza viruses spreading. Consider offering on-site flu jabs or providing information about local vaccination centres. While the national vaccination booking system has closed for this season, eligible individuals can still get protected by visiting walk-in vaccination sites or pharmacies offering flu vaccines. 
 
Enhance workplace hygiene 
 
Implement rigorous cleaning protocols, especially for high-touch surfaces like door handles, lift buttons, and shared equipment. You may reduce the spread of germs by providing hand sanitisation stations throughout the office and encouraging frequent hand washing with warm water. 
 
Encourage social distancing 
 
Where possible, maintain physical distance between work stations. You could consider staggering work hours or implementing flexible seating arrangements to reduce contact with people and spread of respiratory infection between employees. If your employee has a continuous cough then do encourage them to seek help, as droplets from coughs may contain infectious content. 
 
Supporting affected employees 
 
Despite best efforts, some employees will inevitably fall ill. How you support employees with influenza during this time can make a significant difference in their recovery, mental health and overall job satisfaction. 
 
Being mindful of diversity in the workplace 
 
Some people have compromised immune systems, and it is important to be mindful of their needs, especially in regard to contact with sick people. 
 
Flexible sick leave policies 
 
Review your flexible leave policies to ensure they're supportive and don't inadvertently encourage presenteeism – the practice of coming to work despite illness. 
 
Remote work options 
 
For employees who are recovering but still able to work, or those who need to care for other infected persons or sick family members, offering remote work options can help maintain business operations while preventing the spread of illness in the office. 
 
Clear return-to-work guidelines 
 
Establish clear guidelines for when it's safe for employees to return to work after having the flu. Normal activities may not be immediately achievable for someone recovering from illness and so make sure any requests are reasonable. 
 
Maintaining productivity during the outbreak 
 
While protecting employee health should be the primary concern, businesses also need to maintain operations during this challenging time. Here are some strategies to help keep productivity high: 
 
Cross-train employees: Ensure that multiple employees are trained to perform critical tasks. This can help maintain operations if key staff members are absent due to illness. 
Prioritise essential functions: Identify your business's most critical functions and focus resources on maintaining these during periods of high absenteeism. 
Leverage technology: Use digital tools to facilitate remote work and virtual meetings, reducing the need for in-person interactions that could spread illness. 
Communicate regularly: Keep your team informed about the company's response to the flu outbreak, any changes in policies or procedures, and the overall impact on the business. Clear communication can help reduce anxiety and maintain morale. 

The role of occupational health services 

For businesses looking for additional support in managing employee health during this flu season, Verve occupational health services can be invaluable. As a company with 30 years' NHS experience, Verve Healthcare understands the unique challenges businesses face during health crises. 
 
Occupational health professionals can provide: 
Expert advice on creating a healthy work environment 
Support in developing and implementing flu prevention strategies 
Assistance in managing return-to-work processes for employees recovering from flu 
Guidance on how to balance productivity with employee wellbeing 
 
Remember, proactive workplace healthcare can reduce sickness absence and contribute to a healthier, more productive workforce in the long term. 

Looking ahead 

While the current flu outbreak presents significant challenges, it also offers an opportunity for businesses to reassess and strengthen their approach to employee health and wellbeing. Implementing comprehensive flu prevention and management strategies means companies can navigate the current crisis and build resilience for future health challenges. 
 
As we move through this flu season, remember that your employees are your most valuable asset. Investing in their health and wellbeing is not just a short-term measure to get through the current outbreak, but a long-term strategy for building a stronger, more resilient business. 
 
At Verve Healthcare, we're committed to supporting businesses in creating healthy, happy and productive workforces. If you'd like to learn more about how we can help your organisation navigate this flu season and beyond, we'd love to hear from you. Together, we can work towards a healthier future for your business and your employees. 
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