The latest global flu pandemic has spread quite rapidly and despite the media over-hype, there is a good chance that it will be coming to an area near you. What this means is that you may have to take time of work - either for yourself or a family member. Unfortunately, in the current economy and tough job market, it can be a costly decision to do so. In fact over 35 million working Americans don't get sick leave and so any time off is unpaid. Whatever your situation here are some tips to ensure that your job and livelihood are protected if impacted by the flu virus:

- Working from home. If your job allows discuss this option with your manager as soon as possible. This means that you should have a quiet place to work at home, internet and telephone access. Also make sure you test that you can work from home (eg VPN access). The easiest way to convince your boss that working from home is necessary is that you could contaminate others. Just remember that working from home, is not a holiday and that you may have to work even harder. If you cannot work from home, then negotiate to swap or do extra shift to make up for lost time. Employers appreciate pro-active employees much more.

- Know your rights and read your HR policy : If you are able to take sick leave, then you should have minimal impact from taking a valid sick day. However many company's HR policy says that in certain national emergencies, you can get excused leave. Which means paid leave. Look for this and you many not have to use your sick or vacation days. Further, if the swine flu become pandemic (i.e. national emergency) then you cannot be fired for taking leave (paid or not) on legal grounds if you or a family member you need to take care off are actually sick. Ask any lawyer.

- Get a doctors or medical certificate. If you or a family member need to see a doctor, make sure you get a medical certificate. Not just for the day you saw the medical professional, but for the potential days you may have off. Most companies require employees to get a medical certificate if they take more than 2 days off sick. If you have a valid medical certificate, then no employer can refute your time off. So get one, just in case.

- Plan ahead. This obvious step is normally overlook by people. For example, there is a good chance that my kids day-care will soon be closed once the flu virus reaches my area. So I have already started finding backup options and ensuring that I get all my critical work done or deferred. Per the first point, I am also able to work at home if I need to. You should also develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies. Just don't wait till the last minute to get prepared.

At the end of day, if you really are ill, see a doctor sooner than later because like all flu virus' early treatments can reduce the chances of serious illness. However, most flu virus' affect less than 2% of population, so don't let this strain endanger your job.