Flu prevention

Influenza or the “flu” is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infects the nose, throat, and sometimes even the lungs. It can be spread through coughing, sneezing or talking. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, so it is important to treat cases of the flu with great caution.

Food handlers and staff that interact with the public are at increased risk for contracting and spreading influenza. Remind employees of the steps they can take to protect themselves, their co-workers, and customers from illness with our printable poster below.

Your role as a manager

Managers have a responsibility for determining when an employee should work, when they should be assigned to other tasks, or when they need to be sent home. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s free Retail Food Protection: Employee Health and Personal Hygiene Handbook provides guidelines that managers should review and know. The handbook also provides a quick reference to forms and tables that retail food establishments may find helpful when training staff and addressing employee health and hygiene matters.

Learn more about other harmful viruses that are a threat to your business by visiting our foodborne illness library. Steritech also offers a suite of health and safety services that aim to reduce the risk of transmission of food-borne illnesses. Contact us today to learn more.