How to protect your organization from a bird flu pandemic

Bird flu, or avian influenza, affects mainly birds, but lately cases affecting humans have been reported. Since 1997, according to Kaiser Permanente, 256 human cases of bird flu have been documented. Almost all were caused by direct contact with infected birds, but the fear is that the virus will mutate and begin to spread from person to person.

Kaiser makes these recommendations to businesses to protect employees and operations:

• Encourage employees to wash their hands or use alcohol hand sanitizers.
• Encourage employees to get flu shots.
• Educate employees on how viruses are spread.
• Send sick employees home promptly and encourage sick employees to stay home.

To plan for an outbreak:

• Establish procedures to protect customers and employees.
• Implement distancing measures, such as telecommuting, staggered work shifts and shorter meetings.
• Acquire telecommuting resources, such as laptops.
• Research and know your coverage for sick employees.
• Share your plans with state and local government, health care providers and insurers.
• Go online for assistance creating a plan or contact Kaiser.

If there is an outbreak, limit travel and respond to any employee who returns home sick from travel to an affected area. Check the Centers for Disease Control web site for travel information if employees must travel.

Kaiser has been conducting drills to prepare its clinics for a bird flu epidemic or pandemic. Its medical centers are conducting monthly meetings to discuss preparations for an outbreak, make sure supplies are on hand and identifying medically acceptable alternatives in case some supplies are in short supply. Information for Kaiser members is posted at http://kp.org.