Three new flu strains are on their way to the UK this winter, and companies are being warned to offer vaccinations for the virus to their staff to avoid major disruptions. The new strains - A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1)-like virus, A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2)-like virus and B/Florida/4/2006-like virus can effectively be prevented with a simple inoculation that employers can access through their corporate health insurance. Flu is often compared to the common cold, but the illness can cause major upsets in the workplace with most people taking a week off. Even when they return, the virus leaves people very weak and production will undoubtedly be reduced. Businesses in the UK already lose millions of pounds each year due to sickness and these new strains of flu will only add to this, but the vaccination, which is effective in an estimated 70 to 90 per cent of adults, could significantly improve this.

Peter Mace is the assistant medical director at BUPA Wellness. He told Easier Finance, “Flu is one of the major reasons for short-term sickness among UK workers, and we recommend that even individuals who have received flu vaccinations previously should still be given the new vaccine to ensure they are protected from the three new strains. Any previous vaccines will not be effective in protecting against the new strains." By taking out a corporate private medical insurance policy, not only will employees have access to the new vaccine, but they will also be able to receive health care at a time and place convenient to them, should they become ill and return to work as soon as possible.