Oct 1, 2009 8:37 pm US/Eastern
Businesses Brace For Potential Swine Flu Losses
Survey: H1N1 Virus Could Cost Businesses $20 Billion
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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A new survey shows the H1N1 virus could add up to billion-dollar losses for businesses, and companies are taking the flu threat very seriously.
Front line workers in the fight against the flu know what it could cost if they don't roll up their sleeves.
"It's a matter of public health," Dr. Lesley Taylor, of Montefiore Medical Center, said.
Dr. Taylor expects to be back for another shot soon.
"I'll have to get it twice – once for this, and once again for the swine flu," she said.
Now, concerns about the H1N1 virus have spread beyond hospitals, and into the halls of corporate America.
The Chamber of Commerce says seasonal flu takes a $10 billion bite out of business each year, and that H1N1 could gobble up a whopping $20 billion.
At financial services company Credit Suisse in downtown Manhattan, you can see their H1N1 readiness from the employee medical center to the elevator bank.
"Well, we have the Purell machines strategically located, like every time you turn a corner here," Credit Suisse employee Craig Sterling said.
The CDC Web site dedicates an entire section to business response, right down to pre-made hallway signs telling sick employees to stay home.
Nurse Linda Giabia manages the Take Care Clinic right in the Credit Suisse offices, where all employees get their shots for free.
"They just make it really easy, so we don't have to leave to go anywhere," Sterling said.
Credit Suisse knows it's more cost effective to keep employees healthy, but still they're ready in the event of an outbreak.
"The IT Department has been working feverishly in providing remote access to anyone who can work from home," Nat Mohan, director at Credit Suisse, said.
A new survey shows most US companies do have an H1N1 plan of attack, to keep the flu from grinding business to a halt.
CBS 2's Alexis Christoforous contributed to this report.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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