As the temperature drops, the risk of catching those annoying bugs rises. Cold and flu season is just around the corner, and with it comes the challenge of keeping your workplace healthy and productive.

But here's a surprising fact: every year, around 200 million workdays are lost in the U.S. due to cold and flu. That's like hitting the pause button on productivity across the nation!

When one person catches a bug, it often spreads like wildfire through the office. Just picture it — a chorus of coughs and sneezes echoing through the halls. Not exactly the soundtrack you want for your workday, right?

With 1 billion colds happening in the U.S. each year, it's no wonder that adults can expect to catch two to four colds annually. Some might even face more than their fair share.

But don't worry! We're here to arm you with ten super simple yet powerful tips to help you prevent the spread of cold and flu in your workplace. These actions are easy to follow, and when everyone pitches in, you can create a healthier, happier environment where productivity thrives.

Every fall, as the leaves turn golden and the chill creeps into the air, a familiar foe emerges — the flu.

This unwelcome guest doesn’t just throw a wrench in our daily routines; it can seriously impact our health. But we’ve got a secret weapon in our arsenal: the flu shot. It’s time to dive into what makes this tiny jab such a mighty protector and why it’s your best bet against the flu’s yearly invasion.

Think getting a flu shot is just another item on your to-do list?

Think again.

That little shot is a superhero in disguise, working tirelessly to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. The flu virus is a master of disguise, changing its form every year, which is why a new vaccine is rolled out each season.

So, what’s the deal with flu shots? Let’s unravel the science behind them and discover why this annual ritual is more important than you might think.

It's that time of year again — flu season is right around the corner. We know, we know, flu season isn't exactly the highlight of anyone's calendar.

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to stay healthy, and bringing flu shots on-site makes it super easy for everyone.

Considering providing flu shots to your team?

If so, you may be overwhelmed by the many options available. But no worries — we have some important questions to help you make the right choice!

America is turning away from vaccines.

Vaccine hesitancy is not new, but the politicization of COVID-19 vaccines has exacerbated the issue. This skepticism extends beyond personal decisions, significantly affecting public health, workplace safety, and the well-being of our communities.

The reasons behind vaccine hesitancy are multifaceted, from mistrust in pharmaceutical companies and governments to the rampant spread of misinformation on social media. In the wake of a pandemic that has profoundly impacted every facet of life, employers stand in a unique, influential position to tackle vaccine hesitancy and foster a healthier, more informed workplace.

Below, learn more about the challenge of vaccine hesitancy and find out how employers can address it.

Ah, fall! That magical season that sweeps in on a gust of pumpkin spice and cable-knit coziness. But just as the leaves start to drop, so does our collective immunity. Meet fall's less charming cousins: respiratory viruses that aim to turn our sniffles into something more sinister. 

Once upon a pre-COVID time, armoring up for the season was as simple as rolling up a sleeve for a flu shot. Fast-forward to the pandemic plot twist, and we've got a new heavyweight contender in the vaccine ring: the COVID-19 jab.

Now, a third shot is available for specific groups for the first time: a vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This respiratory disease poses a significant threat to infants and older individuals.

While the whirlwind of news leaves many confused and overwhelmed, the approach for 2023 is crystal clear: think broader and act wisely. As we enter this new season, it is essential to stay informed and take proactive measures to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Learn all the critical details about these three vaccines that you should know for this fall.

Are you ready to face the flu season head-on? 

Don't let this sneaky virus catch you off guard!

While COVID has been hogging the spotlight over the past few years, the flu has been lurking in the shadows, waiting for its chance to strike. And with a whopping 27 million cases estimated during the 2022-23 flu season, it's clear that the flu means business.

But don't be fooled by its seemingly harmless name — the flu can knock you off your feet and leave you feeling like a wet noodle. And if you're a business owner, a sick team can mean missed deadlines and a dip in productivity. That's why it's crucial to equip yourself and your employees with the most powerful defense — flu shots!

Now, let's dive into the perks of on-site flu shots and how they can help you and your team stay healthy, happy, and free from the flu.

National Influenza Vaccination Week is here. 

If you’re looking for ways to promote this week that’s focused on the importance of the flu shot, we’re here to help. The week-long observance is December 5-9. It’s recommended anyone six months and older get a flu shot to prevent catching it this year. Most insurances cover the vaccine, too.

Flu activity has skyrocketed this season. Last week alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 19,000 patients were admitted to the hospital due to influenza.

Experts agree a flu shot is a way to keep the flu away.

Below we share nine easy ways to promote and encourage a flu shot this week.

Like it or not, flu season is coming.

As an employer, you have a direct impact on how the flu season is handled in your workplace. If you don’t have a game plan to tackle flu season yet, now is the time to plan. Between educational materials and hosting flu shot clinics, it’s possible to make the hit on your workplace less severe when it comes to flu cases.

If you are an employer or manager struggling to convince your employees to take the flu vaccine, you may want to consider incorporating some humor into your communication strategy. Research has shown that laughter and humor can have a powerful impact on the immune system, reducing stress levels and boosting mood. 

In fact, when we laugh, our body releases endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals that can help reduce pain and improve our overall well-being. Additionally, laughter has been found to stimulate the production of immune cells and antibodies, which can help protect us against infections like the flu.

By incorporating humor into your communication, you can help to alleviate any concerns or fears your employees might have around the flu vaccine, making it easier for them to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and others. Whether you use cartoons or funny stories to get your message across, incorporating humor can be an effective and fun way to promote a healthier workplace.

Of course, the flu is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly. However, in times of sickness, a good laugh can go a long way in helping us feel better. Here are some funny memes that you can share with your employees to help lighten the mood and make it easier to get through the flu season:

Do you have a strategy for tackling flu season in the workplace?

Flu season is coming up fast. In order to keep workers healthy, encouraging flu shots early in the season is essential.

The flu alone costs employers roughly $10.4 billion in direct costs for hospitalizations and outpatient visits for adults each year. That’s not even taking into consideration Covid cases.

Getting your employees vaccinated is the best way to help fight these costs and keep your employees healthy and safe from the flu. But there are also other prevention measures to take, too, that will help your team stay healthy this flu season.

Here’s a look at how to create your game plan for this year’s flu season:

Are you and your team ready for the upcoming flu season?

While Covid-19 stole the limelight for the last few years, health experts warn that the flu is still out there, too. Flu season begins in October and runs through May.

A recently released 2021-22 influenza season report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  indicated that while last year’s activity was considered low for the season, the flu cases also extended well beyond the normal flu “season.” CDC reports show flu cases increased to between eight million and 13 million between October 2021 and June 2022. That’s up from just over 2,000 cases reported for September 2020 to April 2021.

Wondering what will happen this year?

Here’s a look at what to expect for the upcoming flu season, how to prepare, and insight from two naturopathic physicians on prevention steps to take.