Three federal agencies recently issued a joint press release announcing the release of a new guidance to help businesses plan for and respond to the upcoming flu season. The press release issued by the Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano urges employers to "set the right tone in the workplace" including implementing common sense measures to reduce the risk of spreading the flu and encouraging workers who are sick to stay home. The press release notes that the guidance will help employers prepare for the upcoming influenza season, which will help ensure business continuity necessary to keep the economy functioning. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued the guidance and a communication toolkit to assist employers in preparing for influenza.