Watch out for stomach bug, employers warned

04/01/2008

Businesses could be facing staff shortages as GPs urge those struck down by a stomach bug this winter to take more time off to recover completely.

The infectious illness, norovirus – also called winter vomiting disease – causes diarrhoea and vomiting, and has swept the country with 100,000 people falling ill every week.

According to the BBC, the Health Protection Agency has confirmed that the number of cases this year has been the highest since 2002.

With GPs advising that those who catch the disease stay home two days after all symptoms have gone, employers could be left short staffed. With a third of businesses claiming that absence control is high on their 2008 agenda, the proliferation of the illness could be a considerable set back.

FirstAssist Services, a health and well-being provider, advises employers to encourage their staff to take an interest in building up their health.

“With the conflicting messages on how to get healthy, it can be impossible to keep on track what’s really important,” said Tania Pierce Jones, clinical relationship manager at FirstAssist.

“Businesses can take a more proactive approach to staff absence by creating a positive environment that cultivates a happy, healthy and motivated workforce,” she added.

FirstAssist advises that employees should have a health check every year, watch that alcohol consumption does not exceed three units daily for women and four for men, and that five portions of fruit and veg are eaten daily. No smoking and frequent exercise are also advocated.