Now what!? COVID-19 collides with flu season

While many workplaces are settling into a COVID-19 groove of social distancing, face masks, and hand sanitizer, we find ourselves on the cusp of flu season in the United States. Employers should start preparing now for what could be a difficult workplace winter.

Common flu peaks between December and February

Although flu season is hard to predict, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says influenza activity often peaks between December and February. Consequently, many workplaces are likely to see a rise in flu activity at the same time much of the country is experiencing an increased rate of COVID-19 infections.

Influenza and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses with some of the same symptoms, but they’re caused by different viruses. The CDC says testing may be required to distinguish between the flu and the coronavirus.

Best practices for employers

Provide flu shots for employees. If your employees are working on-site, consider contracting with a vendor to come out and give flu shots. There will be exceptions, and you may not force everyone to get a shot. But being able to get one at work may increase the number of vaccinated employees.

Moreover, if employees aren’t already fully covered under your group health plan, they may appreciate the benefit of the subsidized shots, especially if nonexempt workers are allowed to get vaccinated while on the clock. Alternatively, you might provide time off for employees to get a flu shot as an incentive to be vaccinated.