Flu and the Workplace

Vaccination reduces or minimizes health care, societal and individual costs, as well as the productivity losses and absenteeism associated with flu illness. A national study estimated the annual economic burden of seasonal flu in the United States to be $87.1 billion, including $10.4 billion in direct medical costs. The study used population and dollar data from 2003.

"Presenteeism" mentality in the workplace

Respondents from a National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) survey cited a number of economically-driven reasons why they feel pressured to go to work despite being sick with the flu. Reasons include:

• 60% are concerned about work not getting done in their absence.
• 48% feel guilty for missing work. Of which, 56% are women, and 42% are men.

• 24% get no or minimal sick pay.

• 36% of those with incomes of $25,000 or less are concerned about job loss.

• 42% of those with incomes of $25,000 or less are concerned about angering their bosses.

Additional flu information for business professionals, including planning and response guidance:

• Letter to Business Partners

• H1N1 Flu Resources for Businesses and Employers

• CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers To Plan and Respond to the 2009-2010 Influenza Season

• Seasonal Flu Information for Workplaces & Employees

Additional flu resources, including workplace posters and flyers to educate your employees on strategies for preventing the flu. Be sure to post and distribute these in your workplace.

Fifth Guy Campaign
We all know a Fifth Person - the guy who doesn't wash his hands, the gal who shows up at work sick, the dude who sprays us with spittle. View the PSAs for tips on how to drop just the right hint, how to say, "Hey, stop getting us all sick."

• Fifth Guy Sick Day Video
• Fifth Guy Urinal Video

Adapted from the Florida Department of Health