A recent study conducted by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that some specific types of nutrients in foods like dark chocolate, bilberries and red wine could actually work with certain microbiota bacteria to fight the flu. CTV News recently reported on the findings saying that “The results of the study indicate that interaction between the bacteria and the flavonoids does not target flu viruses directly, but rather stimulates a response that prevented the immune system from harming lung tissue.” The CTV News article can be found here.

From the employer perspective, this could mean that the occasional afternoon treat of dark chocolate could in fact help employees to combat the flu this flu season. Definitely something to consider while planning your workplace flu prevention strategy!

Not only can workplace flu prevention decrease absenteeism rates during a time of year when absenteeism is high, but it can also help to protect vulnerable populations in the community by limiting the spreading of the virus. Flu prevention in the workplace includes education on the viral infection, nutrition and wellness programing, and most importantly workplace vaccination programs.

To learn more about flu prevention in the workplace, download our workplace Guide to Flu Season.