How to stop the flu from spreading in your workplace

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Whether your employees are in the office, or work remotely, there's no escaping the spread of germs. No matter how healthy you are, airborne illnesses are highly contagious and spread very quickly, meaning cold and flu season can take a toll on businesses in the United States.

Employees spend one-third of their life working, which is why it's essential for employers like you to find solutions, and provide education to employees on combating the cold and flu in (and out) of the office.

It might just save your company's bottom line, and your employees' overall health and productivity.

How to stop the flu with free, ready-to-use resources

Looking for a free, quick and easy way to inform and educate your employees on how to fight the cold and flu? Look no further than Blue^SM, your employees one-stop-shop for benefit information, health and wellness tips and tricks, fitness tips, healthy recipes and more. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite flu-specific articles to share the knowledge among your employees on your intranet, newsletter or an email series.

Common questions about cold and flu in the workplace

Will the flu and COVID-19 become worse during fall and winter?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will likely spread this fall and winter. Encouraging your employees to receive their routine vaccinations is essential for protecting individuals and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases and outbreaks.

Will a flu shot help protect employees from COVID-19?

Getting a flu vaccination will not protect your employees against COVID-19. However, flu vaccinations are still important for your employees to receive since they are shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death.

What’s the difference between the flu and COVID-19?

It’s important your employees know the difference between COVID-19 and the flu to ensure they know when it’s time to seek care.

Both COVID-19 and the flu can have similar symptoms, but they are caused by different viruses. Both illnesses can cause fever, cough, body aches and fatigue. Both illnesses can be spread easily through air droplets when people cough, sneeze or talk.

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Want more? We’re here to help

Education doesn’t stop. Arm you and your employees with the information and resources necessary to keep impacts low during cold and flu season. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to download free images and infographics, link to microsites, watch or listen to videos and podcasts and download various toolkits.

Together, we can make the change to stop the cold and flu right in its tracks.

Questions? Contact your authorized Wellmark account representative, or email us at blueatwork@wellmark.com.

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