WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government on Wednesday urged business sector across the nation to allow employees who are infected with A/H1N1 flu to stay at home.

    "If an employee stays home sick, it is not only the best thing for his health, but it is also the best thing for his co-workers," Commerce Secretary Gary Locke told a news conference.

    Locke said that the requirements on employees to get a doctor's note to validate illness should be waived, which he said "has the potential to overload the healthcare system that is likely to be stressed during this year's flu season."

    Employees should be encouraged to take vaccination against both seasonal and A/H1N1 flu, he added.

    The U.S. government is worrying that the new H1N1 flu epidemic will hit the country as the autumn weather looms, and has already released official guidance on influenza for businesses and schools as well as other key sectors.

    "Plans need to be put into place now for teleworking and working in place," if the flu season worsens, said Locke.

    He also urged companies to plan to reduce unnecessary travel and limit face-to-face meetings.

    Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has also advised businesses to launch education programs for their employees on how to prevent the flu by washing their hands and using hand sanitizer.