Why Should You Get Your Restaurant Staff The Flu Shot?

This article was updated on the 15th March 2020.

Winter is coming, so doctors and medical professionals are advising to get a flu vaccine this year. It won’t protect you and your employees against the Covid-19, but hospitals don’t want to be dealing with a flu epidemic when their systems may be overrun by Coronavirus.

Flu season in South Africa is highly seasonal and generally starts around the first week of June, but has on occasion started as early as April. The season lasts about 12 weeks, on average, but can last up to 25.

Flu is a virus spread when people cough, sneeze or talk. These actions cause droplets that can land in the mouths and noses of people nearby. It can also be caught by touching items or surfaces that have been contaminated with the flu virus.

Waitrons will often be required to interact with customers that may be contagious with the flu virus, and both waitrons and dishwashing staff may come into contact with contaminated items and surfaces. Once a staff member has the flu it is possible for them to be infectious before they are aware that they are sick.

The Center for Disease Control estimate that approximately 1 in 5 people will get the flu each season. These numbers can be higher for people that work in industries where they are in more contact with people, such as the service industry.

If a staff member becomes sick and passes the virus on to other members of staff it can cause you staffing issues as well as unforeseen costs due to sick leave.

The flu vaccine is available from many pharmacies and clinics throughout South Africa and is offered free or gives points on some medical aid plans.

Cover photo by Devon Janse van Rensburg on Unsplash