Flu season is off to an early start this year. College campuses already report high number of students with confirmed cases of H1N1. Businesses are sure to be next.

With that in mind, the Department of Homeland Security has written “Planning for 2009 H1N1 Influenza: A Preparedness Guide for Small Business”

In addition to basic “keeping healthy” tips for businesses and individuals, the guide offers a plan businesses should consider adopting before flu outbreaks occur.

The “How to Write Your Plan” sections focuses on seven basic steps:

1. Identify a workplace coordinator.
2. Examine policies for leave, telework and employee compensation
3. Determine who will be responsible for assisting ill individuals in the workplace.
4. Identify essential employees, essential business functions and other critical inputs (e.g. raw materials, suppliers, subcontractor services/products and logistics) required to maintain business operations.
5. Share your pandemic plans with employees and clearly communicate expectations.
6. Prepare business continuity plans.
7. Establish an emergency communications plan.