Don’t get stuck with the flu this winter

26 October 2016 ,  —

London


With the summer sun well and truly behind us, those who have suffered from allergies over the summer may be looking forward to a season of respite.

But whether or not you are affected by pollen during the summer months, it is easy to fall victim to influenza (commonly known as the ‘flu’) over the colder winter months.

It is estimated that the flu costs the British economy £1.35 billion per year due to lost working days – yet it is also one of the most common vaccine-preventable diseases worldwide.

girl with flu main picture

Whether you’re a deckhand or a company director, the flu can affect us all. For employers, employee absence due to sickness can have an unwelcome impact on their business, with productivity often dropping and projects delayed as a result of an infected workforce.

Flu spreads from one person to another through actions as simple as talking, coughing, sneezing and touching shared surfaces. It is caused by viruses affecting the windpipe and lungs – and cannot be treated with antibiotics, unless there are complicating factors such as pneumonia.

Measures to prevent the flu are more effective than those to try and cure it. Practicing good hand hygiene by using hand gel or washing hands frequently reduces the risk of becoming ill, but a focus on good handwashing practice is not enough to effectively combat the virus.

As well as regularly washing hands, a flu vaccination is the strongest measure against potential infection. The vaccine should ideally be taken in autumn, as the ‘flu season’ is at its peak October through March.

It’s a myth that the vaccination itself gives an individual the flu – while there may be side-effects such as redness around the injection site or a headache, not every recipient gets these and they’ll go away by themselves within days without the need for further treatment. 

Around 75 per cent of those inoculated will be fully protected by the vaccine, and organisations offer immunisation schemes to employees. Occupational health organisations such as International SOS can travel to a business to administer the vaccine.

Symptoms of the flu include a sore throat, sneezing fits and a blocked nose. Sufferers will also display a fever of 38.9 to 40 degrees lasting for three to four days – but a vaccinated workforce can avoid the pain and discomfort caused by the flu, as their immune systems create protective antibodies to help ward off the disease.

Those with long-term health conditions, as well as young children and older adults, are at higher risk of developing complications if they get the flu.

It’s much cheaper to take steps to prevent the flu rather than attempt to control it - so why not improve your wellbeing and productivity by protecting yourself this winter?

ENDS


For more information please contact sofiane.kennouche@breadpr.com or 01224 615 858.

About the International SOS Group of Companies

The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives, protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity and sustainability.

 

Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by 12,000 organisations, including the majority of the Fortune 500, as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions and NGOs. 12,000 multicultural medical, security and logistics experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,000 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days.   


To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips: www.internationalsos.com

 

 


International SOS is a trusted partner to the oil and gas industry. With a robust heritage of over 30 years’ experience in providing occupational health and remote medical services, we support our clients to reduce risk, increase efficiency and fulfil strict legislative requirements.  


With eight locations across Norway and the UK, we have a comprehensive understanding of the medical and health issues unique to the energy sector as well as the environments and parameters within which our customers operate.  This combined with unrivalled passion provides our clients and their people with seamless health and remote medical services on and offshore.

Our suite of tailored services include occupational health, remote medical services, medical staffing, work environment, supply chain and training. These essential functions deliver tangible business benefits including reduced operational risk, absenteeism and increased productivity. International SOS is fully equipped to provide both topside and diving medical emergency services and offers 24/7 emergency cover.