Fact Sheets
MINIMISING INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN THE WORKPLACE
To assist organisations minimise infection and diseases in the workplace and help reduce absenteeism, HSA conducts vaccination programs for influenza, hepatitis A & B and Q fever. In most instances, programs can be run on-site at the workplace.
Influenza
Influenza is a highly contagious viral disease spread by droplets from coughing and sneezing. The virus can survive up to two days on the most commonly touched surfaces like telephones, keyboards, door handles, pens and the office coffee mugs. This makes it particularly prevalent in office environments. Influenza attacks suddenly, can last for three weeks, and often causes headaches, coughs, severe muscle pain and high temperatures.
The 'flu vaccine has been proven to lower absenteeism by as much as 43% over winter. It offers employees protection for up to 12 months, while saving organisations time and money.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a serious viral infection which causes inflammation of the liver. Symptoms include tiredness abdominal discomfort, nausea and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). In most cases the symptoms of the acute illness resolve after 4 – 8 weeks, however some people may develop chronic hepatitis. Death rates from hepatitis B can reach 10% to 15%, particularly in the elderly. Hepatitis A is transmitted via contaminated food and water and from poor hygiene; hepatitis B via exposure to infected body fluids (eg. blood, semen, vaginal secretions, saliva, and breast milk). People most at risk include:
- Ambulance personnel
- Careers of intellectually disabled
- Childcare workers
- Custodial/prison officers
- Dentists/dental workers
- Doctors/nurses
- Emergency workers
- Firemen
- Food handlers
- Forensic workers
- Healthcare workers
- Hospitality/escort services
- Military personnel
- Mortuary attendants
- Pathology workers
- Plumbers
- Police
- Sewerage workers
- Travellers
Q Fever
Q fever is caused the Coxiella burnetti bacterium, found in soil and animal reservoirs particularly around cattle, sheep and goats. In Australia, 2/3 of cases are caused by inhalation of contaminated dust or airborne droplets. Infection can also occur when slaughtering animals or processing infected hides, straw or wool. The only symptom may be fever but more commonly flu-like symptoms and intolerance to bright light occur. Chronic infection can result in inflammation of the heart valve, chronic hepatitis and persistent fatigue. Most at risk are:
- Abattoir workers
- Wool sorters
- Shearers
- Laboratory workers
- Veterinarians
- Animal transport workers
- Farmers
- Regular visitors to Q fever area
