By the time the news of a possible swine flu pandemic in Mexico percolated to the surface of public awareness late last week, well-prepared businesses already were implementing plans to work through the crisis. And although the domestic strain of the illness has been mild so far, the more virulent Mexican virus could be potentially devastating to U.S. businesses–not just your clients, but your own business.

Absenteeism, supply chain interruptions, business closings and a potential spike in heathcare expenses and workers' compensation claims are threats that loom along with the chances of developing the disease itself.

"Any business with a large number of employees needs to have a communicable illness plan in place," said Harry W. Rhulen, CEO and cofounder of Dover, Delaware-based Firestorm Solutions LLC , with offices in Colorado and Georgia. The firm specializes in business continuity, communicable illness and other risk-based planning. "The H1N1 swine flu is not much different in its current virulence and presentation than the regular type A and B influenza, which is the leading cause of absenteeism nationwide. All firms should have plans in place about how to keep workplace and home clean and how to avoid getting sick. It's all part of business continuity planning and good corporate governance."