Flu (Influenza) Information
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There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Cough into your sleeve around your elbow, not your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Wait 24 hours after the flu breaks before returning to work.
From the Centers for Disease Control
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The information in this section will help you prevent and manage any potential flu outbreak in your lodging business.
Influenza Management in Hotels - This 19-page lodging industry influenza management guide can assist hotel general managers and other industry professionals in developing their property's flu plan. Additionally, this U.S. government business planning issued via www.flu.gov can also help with influenza plans for the hotel and business workplace.
The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get a yearly flu vaccine, but good health habits and antiviral medications are other measures that can help protect against the flu.
Find where to get a flu vaccine shot near you.
Travel and the Flu - Visit this page for current travel warnings for U.S. and abroad on the flu.
Have a plan - Having a plan in place before the flu strikes is the best way to minimize disruptions at a hotel property.
As of spring 2010, the disease has run through its second wave in the United States. If a new surge appears, AH&LA will update this Webpage with new information about what safety precautions hoteliers should take to protect their guests and employees.
Avian influenza viruses have rarely caused illness in humans in North America.
To date, there have not been any reports of HPAI H5N1 infections among wild birds, poultry, or other animals or humans in the United States.
Hoteliers may send business-specific questions about flu and its management to DHSPandemic@dhs.gov, or contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hotline at 800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). This line is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY: 888-232-6348. E-mail questions to the CDC at inquiry@cdc.gov.