CDC Recommendations

The CDC and pandemic influenza

The CDC is a valuable resource for pandemic planning. It offers specific directions for businesses and insights on protecting healthcare workers during an influenza pandemic.

The CDC recommends the following steps for businesses planning for an influenza pandemic⁸

• Identify a workplace coordinator
• Examine policies for leave, telework and employee compensation
• Determine who will be responsible for assisting ill employees in the workplace
• Identify essential employees, essential business functions and other critical input
• Share your pandemic plans with employees and clearly communicate expectations
• Prepare business continuity plans
• Establish an emergency communications plan

CDC recommendations for protection of healthcare workers⁹

• Appropriate administrative controls
  • Healthcare personnel staying home from work when ill
  • Triage for identification of potentially infectious patients
  • Respiratory and hand hygiene
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Vaccination to reduce risk of exposure or infection for healthcare personnel

For more information, go to www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/healthcaresettings.htm.