This page includes information for workers and employers about how to reduce the spread of the flu in workplaces. It provides information on the basic precautions that should be used in all workplaces and the additional precautions that should be used in healthcare settings. Workers who perform certain types of healthcare tasks for patients who may have the flu may be at a higher risk for exposure to the flu virus; additional precautions are needed. Some of these healthcare tasks include direct patient care; aerosol-generating procedures; specimen analysis; and other patient support, like dietary and housekeeping services. These tasks can be performed in different settings such as inpatient and outpatient healthcare facilities; home healthcare settings; and health services facilities in schools, industrial workplaces, or correctional institutions. If you are or employ one of these workers, select "Healthcare" above. If not, then select "Other Workplaces." HHS/CDC has also updated its guidance for protecting healthcare workers from seasonal flu. What is the latest news on Influenza A (H3N2) variant? The CDC is monitoring an Influenza A (H3N2) variant virus [A(H3N2)v] which has infected pigs and humans. A variant virus is an influenza virus that normally circulates and causes illness in pigs, but once a human is infected, it is called a "variant" influenza virus. Since July 2011, 12 people in the U.S. have been infected with the H3N3v virus, and most of the human cases have been mild. Three of the cases were hospitalized, but all have recovered. The CDC is watching this virus because some of the cases had contact with pigs, but some cases appear to have been transmitted between people. Currently, the CDC is recommending that healthcare workers continue to follow the infection control principles and actions for seasonal influenza. The 2011-2012 seasonal vaccine is recommended for prevention of seasonal influenza and may provide limited protection against A(H3N2)v in adults. OSHA will continue to work with the CDC and update recommendations based on the situation. The CDC has more information about the H3N2v influenza A virus here. OSHA also has guidance [1 MB PDF^*, 2 pages] for protecting workers who may be exposed to known or suspected influenza infections in pigs. The 2012-2013 seasonal flu vaccine will protect against the three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. Pandemic flu remains a concern for employers and workers. A pandemic can occur at any time and can be mild, moderate, or severe. The pandemic flu in 2009 was considered by HHS/CDC to be mild but still created challenges for employers and workers and showed that many workplaces were not prepared. The precautions identified in the resources below give a baseline for infection controls during a seasonal flu outbreak, but may not be enough to protect workers during a pandemic. For additional information on pandemic flu planning, see the OSHA webpage on pandemic flu. See more from topic source: https://www.osha.gov/html/a-z-index.html