3 September 2002

Beating the office bug

With winter just round the corner, most companies will bebracing themselves for a season of staff sickness absence. In Britain alonemore than 150 million working days are lost each year through flu-relatedillnesses at a cost of 6.75 billion* to the economy. Between four and 15percent of people over 20 years old catch flu each year. But there is a way offighting back. Vaccination programmes undertaken between early October and lateNovember provide protection over several months of the winter season.

Dr Dilly Murphy, medical director of BUPA Wellness said:"Last year we saw a 65 percent increase in flu vaccinations delivered inthe workplace compared to the year before. Whatever your age, flu is a veryunpleasant illness which can put you out of action for at least a week.Outbreaks are most common where people are in close contact, particularly in anoffice environment. With vaccines now easily and cheaply available, it makessense for companies to give employees a head start in the fight againstflu."

Vaccines can cost as little as 10.50 each if delivered inthe workplace and can significantly reduce a business' financial losses interms of time and productivity. Vaccinations are suitable for any healthy adultand are particularly valuable for people with conditions such as respiratoryillness.

Flu is spread through coughing and sneezing, and by handcontact, with most people recovering within a week, although a general feelingof weakness can last several more weeks. For more vulnerable people, such asthe elderly and those suffering from chronic heart or lung disease, flu is amuch more serious illness.

Common sense steps to protect yourself against flu includeregular exercise; a healthy, balanced diet; plenty of sleep; and keeping stressto a minimum. Washing your hands regularly will reduce your chance of catchingthe flu virus.

BUPA Wellness offers on-site flu vaccination programmesfor companies throughout the UK with 30 or more staff. Vaccinations are alsoavailable at any BUPA Wellness centre across London and in Birmingham, Bristol,Glasgow, Leeds and Reading. For further information please contact BUPAWellness on 0845 300 8220 (lines are open between 8am and 6pm, Monday toFriday) or email fluvac@bupa.com

*Reported by the Consumer Health Information Centre, 'Coldand Flu Campaign 1998-2000'