IATSE_4th2017_web

MOTION PICTURE & TELEVISION PRODUCTION
Freelancing and the Flu
A
s the weather begins to cool, and pumpkin spice lattes appear at crafty, the flu season is upon
us. In the U.S., “flu season” can begin as early as October and last as late as May. Working on
set, oftentimes in close quarters, illnesses can spread quickly from department to department.
Here’s what you need to know to help protect yourself and your co-workers.
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First, consider a flu shot. And yes, it
should be a shot this year as the CDC
does not recommend the nasal spray flu
vaccine (live attenuated influenza vaccine
or LAIV) for 2017-2018. Getting
the vaccine may not make you completely
impervious to illness, but a preventative
flu shot can lessen the severity
of the flu. Women who are pregnant,
members over 50 or who have children
in the home 5 years of age or younger,
people with chronic medical conditions
like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease,
and those with weakened immune systems
should definitely contact their
doctor to discuss preventative measures.
Also, some people should not be immunized
against the flu. If you have severe,
life-threatening allergies to flu vaccine
or any ingredient in the vaccine (including
but not limited to egg, gelatin,
and antibiotics), or if you have ever had
Guillain-Barré Syndrome, you should
first consult with your doctor.
Despite any preventative measures
you’ve taken, what to do if you become
ill with a low to medium-grade
fever (less than 100 degrees), cough,
sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, chills,
headache, fatigue, and/or body aches?
First, you should try and replace yourself
on set and remain home for at least
one full 24 hour period after your fever
is gone (without the help of medicine).
Yes, you’ll miss out on work, but you’ll
heal faster and will avoid spreading illness
on set. Working in our industry, we
all know that staying home is sometimes
impossible; at those times, you need to
do all you can to make sure others do
not get sick.
The flu and other flu-like illnesses
are spread through coughing, sneezing
or touching contaminated surfaces.
Make sure to cover your nose with a tissue
when you sneeze (and then dispose
of it) or sneeze into your upper sleeve,
and always follow up with a thorough
hand washing or liberal use of alcoholbased
hand sanitizer. If you visit the
craft service table, this is especially important.
At all times, avoid touching
your eyes, nose or mouth.
Some symptoms may indicate a
more dire situation; these include a difficult
time breathing or shortness of
breath, pain or pressure in the chest or
abdomen, dizziness or confusion, severe
or continued vomiting, decreased urination,
or if your symptoms improve
but then return with fever and a bad
cough. If any of these occur, get to the
set medic or contact your healthcare
provider right away.
Together we can help control the
spread of illness this winter and ring in
a healthy and prosperous 2018!
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