Business to Prepare for Mass Absences during Upcoming Flu season

Businesses need to prepare for mass absences during the upcoming H1N1 and yearly flu season and be understanding in allowing employees to stay home if they are sick or need to care for a sick family member, federal officials said Wednesday , Detroit Free Press reports.

Photo: Business to Prepare for Mass Absences during Upcoming Flu season

Federal officials on Wednesday urged business leaders to start taking steps now to reduce the economic and public health toll of a potentially tough flu season.

To help busy employers in the effort, the federal government also released guidelines companies can adopt to maintain continuity of operations while also playing a critical role in reducing the spread of a recently-emerged flu strain, now called "novel H1N1."

"It has the potential to affect virtually every aspect of our lives, from our economy and national security to our education system," said Gary Locke, secretary of the Department of Commerce. "As such, it will take Americans from every walk of life, all of us, pulling together and doing our part to mount an effective response." , San Jose Mercury News reports.

“It’s more than just a significant health issue. It has the potential to affect every aspect of our lives,’’ Locke said. “It will take Americans from every walk of life pulling together and doing our part to mount an effective response.’’ , Boston Globe reports.