Risk Flu FAQ's
We will update these Frequently Asked Questions as new information becomes available.
Risk
Q: Should we cancel social gatherings our department participates in this year?
A: Not necessarily. We recommend taking a "wait and see" approach. Based on the severity of the flu season, it may be "business as usual" in terms of social gatherings or we may need to cancel or postpone events. More discussion on this topic will take place as we move into the flu season. In the meantime, all employees are encouraged to help prevent the spread of flu by getting a flu shot, covering coughs, washing hands and staying home when sick.
Updated 9/17/09
Q: Are community candy dishes a good idea in the office?
A: No. Minimizing common food sources is a good way to avoid a variety of illnesses. Multiple hands in a candy dish create a higher risk of exposure to germs. Employees are encouraged to use good judgment to prevent the spread of germs and viruses.
Updated 9/17/09
Q: I have a lot of contact with the public. Should I be wearing a face mask (dust respirator)?
A: No. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend face masks for general use in workplace settings. The County will follow CDC's advice and make face masks available to those employees who have direct patient contact with ill patients in health care settings. All employees are encouraged to prevent the spread of flu by getting a flu shot, covering your cough or sneeze, washing your hands and staying home when sick. More information about preventing the spread of the flu can be found at the Department of Health and Human Services' Web site at: www.co.washington.or.us/flu.
Updated 9/17/09
Q: My child's school is closed due to an outbreak of the flu. He's too young to stay at home alone. May I bring him to work with me?
A: If schools or day care centers are closed, employees will not be allowed to bring their children, grandchildren or other child to work. All employees with school-aged children in their care are encouraged to plan ahead for potential school or daycare center closures. We recognize that employees who care for children may have a difficult flu season this year, so please review your sick leave balances and usage with this in mind.
Updated 9/17/09
Q: I supervise employees who work at the front reception desk and have a lot of contact with the public. How can I minimize the risk of transmission?
A: When employees are working directly with the public, they should have immediate access to alcohol-based surface wipes or paper towels, disinfectant cleaners, hand sanitizers and an ample supply of tissue. All waste products from cleaning should be immediately discarded in the trash followed immediately by hand washing. Employees should avoid coming into direct contact with patrons. Employees should not touch their faces, eyes or noses without first cleaning their hands.
Updated 9/17/09
Q: We have a meeting scheduled for which we expect to have a large audience. Should we cancel the meeting?
A: No, not at this point.If the H1N1 flu becomes severe, public health officials may recommend a variety of methods for increasing the physical distance between people to reduce the spread of the disease. Methods can include canceling large community gatherings, large business-related meetings, spacing workers farther apart in the workplace and canceling non-essential travel. Your flexibility and attention to preventive action—including getting a flu shot, covering your cough or sneeze, washing your hands and staying home when sick—is appreciated.
Updated 9/17/09
Q: I share a desk, including computer keyboard and telephone, with other employees. What can I do to prevent becoming ill from touching surfaces that others may have contaminated?
A: Clean shared workspaces regularly with alcohol-based surface wipes. We recommend regularly disinfecting the following:
- Telephones (caution: no direct sprays or excessively wet cloths)
- Key boards
- Calculators
- Countertops
- Pens
Please avoid touching your face without cleaning your hands first.
Updated 9/17/09
Q: Will the County purchase tissues and surface wipes?
A: The County will purchase these items for common and public areas. Individual employees should purchase their own supplies for personal use.
Updated 9/17/09
Q: I have other questions that are not addressed here, who do I call?
A: Your supervisor is your first point of contact. If for some reason your supervisor or department manager is not available, you can contact the Risk Management Division of Support Services by calling (503) 846-8830.
You can also e-mail your question to stoptheflu@co.washington.or.us and staff will route your question to the appropriate person for an answer.
Updated 9/20/09
