Swine flu again

I have been following the progress of the swine flu (H1N1). While I am not ready to go into a panic about it, I am somewhat more worried about it than I was. Do I think the country is going to shut down? No, I don't. But, based on what the CDC has to say about the matter (http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/), I think we are looking at a far more serious flu season that we have seen in a long time, and this could affect our organizations and constituencies.

One quirk is that this strain seems to hit young people far more that other strains of the flu. This is an issue that is particularly important for organizations that serve youth. But, it is also important for organizations whose work force has a large number or parents, especially in single parent households. After all if a youngster comes down with the flu, someone is going to have to stay home to care for the child.

It seems to me that organizations need to look at both measures to minimize the spread of illness withing the organization, and to mitigate the effects of illness as well.

Lots of luck! And, I hope those measures wind up being un-needed.