During an influenza pandemic, businesses and other employers have a key role in protecting employees' health and safety as well as limiting the negative impact to the economy and society. Planning for pandemic influenza is critical. Companies that provide critical infrastructure services, such as power and telecommunications, also have a special responsibility to plan for continued operation in a crisis and should plan accordingly. As with any catastrophe, having a contingency plan is essential.

Community strategies that delay or reduce the impact of a pandemic (also called non-pharmaceutical interventions) may help reduce the spread of disease until a vaccine is available.

HHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have developed guidelines, including checklists, to assist businesses, industries, and other employers in planning for a pandemic outbreak as well as for other comparable catastrophes.

For Checklists (Law Enforcement, Correctional Facilities, Hospitals, Travel Industries), Community Guidance, Critical Infrastructure Information, and Employer / Employee Guidance, click here to visit the Flu.gov Business Planning page.

To view the Planning for 2009 H1N1 Influenza: A Preparedness Guide for Small Business, click here.