MADISON, Wis. -- Business and health officials met Thursday for a conference to discuss how to prepare for a flu pandemic.

In a widespread outbreak, businesses could experience large numbers of staff missing work days, which could spell disaster for employers without a plan.

Health officials said Thursday that there is plenty of planning ordinary citizens can do to prepare.

"Absolutely there are practical steps that people can take to diminish the impact and be prepared for it, (such as) better hand washing, staying home when your sick and making sure your employees are able to stay home when their sick," said Vicki Bier, of the Center for Human Performance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

A variety of businesses attended the conference, including school districts, non-profit agencies and government agencies.

Those interested in learning more about the flu can visit this government Web site.