Communicable Disease Prevention
A Guide for Employers
As COVID-19 vaccinations have become widely available to British Columbians, the overall risks of COVID-19 transmission and serious consequences have diminished. Despite this, the virus will still circulate in B.C. like other communicable diseases, such as the flu.
Flu signs and symptoms
Flu signs and symptoms vary from person to person. Some people get mildly ill. Others get very sick. Flu signs and symptoms generally appear one to four days after exposure to the virus. Signs and symptoms usually include the sudden appearance of fever, cough, muscle aches and pain. Other common signs and symptoms may include chills, tiredness, headache, sore throat, loss of appetite, runny or stuffy nose. Some people (especially children) may also have diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
Individuals are contagious from the day before the first symptoms until about five days after the onset of symptoms. Children and those with weakened immune systems may be contagious for longer.
If you become ill
If sick, stay home to prevent spreading the flu. Avoid close contact with other people until signs and symptoms are no longer present. It’s especially important to protect those who have a higher chance of developing complications from the flu. Use personal protective measures to help keep others safe, such as the following:
• Wear a well-fitting mask.
• Clean your hands regularly.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
Most people recover from the flu in 7 to 10 days.
Source: Government of Canada
WorkSafeBC’s Communicable Disease Prevention Guide
This guide provides information for employers to develop a communicable disease plan. An effective plan includes ongoing measures to reduce the risk of communicable disease and additional measures for when there’s an elevated risk of communicable disease.
Managing communicable disease at your workplace is part of an effective occupational health and safety program. Find the full, fillable guide and supported resources HERE.
Note: This guide is not meant for workplaces that are required to have an existing exposure control plan (ECP) related to communicable disease, such as health care employers. See section 6.34 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation for more information about ECPs.
Related Resources
Flu (influenza): Prevention and risks
Respiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures
Motion Picture: Preventing Cold-Related Illness (Safety Bulletin #34)
Performing Arts & Live Events: Preventing Cold-Related Illness (Safety Bulletin #17)
Washing your hands (poster)
More resources on Communicable Diseases
