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Be ready to take on flu season

Fall is the time of seasons in Georgia: hurricane season is peaking, football season is beginning, peak season is winding down.

It also marks the start of flu season, and with the H1N1 virus still circulating, it promises to be more active than usual.

To help combat seasonal flu, SouthernLifeStyle is joining with Maxim Health System to offer seasonal flu shots at no cost to benefit-eligible employees, dependents (13 and older) and retirees at work sites statewide.

Vaccinations are available to pregnant women with a physician's note, but flu shots will not be given to anyone allergic to eggs. Remember to bring an employee ID badge and insurance card and wear short sleeves.

The seasonal flu is not the only concern this year. The H1N1 virus, also known as the swine flu, is still circulating. Employees need to be aware of its potential impact for the upcoming flu season.

Medical experts are warning that H1N1 could continue to mutate and emerge in the fall as a virus that causes more severe, widespread illness than the typical seasonal flu. This has the potential for one of the worst flu seasons in recent history.

There is no need to panic or overreact. But there are things Georgia Power is doing and employees can do to prepare.

A key thing to remember is it will be important to be vaccinated for both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus. The H1N1 vaccine is expected to be made available to everyone in the United States, and employees are encouraged to get this vaccine when possible.

While the company's pandemic plans are critical, the three most important things employees can do are:

  • Get an annual flu shot as early as possible.
  • Get an H1N1 shot as soon as it is available.
  • Practice good hygiene: wash hands often, cover coughs.

Anyone who develops any flu symptoms should stay home and contact their personal physician. An employee who develops these symptoms at work should talk to his or her supervisor and leave the workplace immediately. 

The symptoms of the flu include:

  • Fever (equal to or greater than 100.0° F or 37.8° C) is a key symptom and may be present
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Stuffy nose
  • Chills
  • Headache and body aches
  • Fatigue

Other possible symptoms include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting

For more information on flu vaccines, visit the SouthernLifeStyle site. Once on the SouthernLifeStyle site, click on Events for 2009 Flu Shot Schedule and other information.