Flu

Risk Management Strategies
Health experts are recommending various practices to mitigate the spread of a possible pandemic
flu.

A) Stop germs from spreading.
• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly. When hand washing is not possible, use disposable
hand wipes or gel sanitizers.
• Practice good illness etiquette, like properly disposing of used tissues and coughing into
the crook of your arm instead of using your hand to cover a cough.
• Alter social greetings to minimize handshaking.

B) Social distancing.
• According to public health experts, flu transmission is a function of time and proximity.
Flu infection increases as people spend longer periods of time in close contact. Therefore,
experts believe that reducing the amount of time people interact can significantly
arrest disease transmission. As a result, localities may promote social distancing by
closing schools, limiting public gatherings, closing theaters and encouraging individuals
to alter their work schedules or methods.
NAA/NMHC White Paper: Apartment Firm Preparations in case of a Pandemic Flu 6

C) Isolate.
• Encourage sick people to seek medical treatment and stay home when sick. Anyone
coming into close contact with sick individuals (i.e., family members, officemates) should
also voluntarily isolate themselves.

Property owners/managers may want to communicate basic hygiene information to their staff to
reinforce the infection control messages that have been developed by public health officials. In
addition, firms may want to communicate these messages to their residents through newsletters
or by posting information in common areas.