Each Year the Flu Costs American Workers and Employers Billions of Dollars
The Benefits of Annual Flu Shots Cannot Be Overstated
Related: Contact Star Wellness to learn about onsite employee wellness screenings
Earlier this year, the CDC reported on the direct costs – such as doctor’s visits and hospital stays as a result of the flu. The annual American costs for treating influenza in the United States are an estimated $4.6 billion.
Not thousands, not even millions – billions.
And it’s not just workers.
Employers pay up to $10 billion for sick or paid time off due to flu illnesses.
“The flu causes U.S. employees to miss approximately 17 million workdays due to flu, [which causes the employees] an estimated $7 billion a year in sick days and lost productivity,” the report said. And many studies have shown the American worker returns to her or his job earlier than they should. Between 70 and 80 percent of workers return to their job earlier than their doctor’s orders – often leading to the infection of their coworkers.
The everyday flu costs a lot of money. And it is worth mentioning in August because now is the best time to combat this disease. Flu shots are still the single most effective way to prevent the infection and keep your employees healthy.
In a Walgreens study, every $1 spent by employers on vaccinations decreased medical costs by $3.27.
Absenteeism costs also fell by $2.75 in the same study.
The workplace has a vested interest in having healthy employees. Even apart from a sick employee infecting an entire office, every business strives to be a safe and healthy space. Star Wellness partners with businesses to ensure a strong defense against the flu this year. Our onsite employee wellness clinics provide the services to keep employees healthy and costs down. Contact us today.
The time from when a person is exposed to the flu virus, to when symptoms begin, is an average of about 2 days, though it ranges from 1 to 4. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Star Wellness makes it simple to keep the workplace healthy and productive. With onsite flu shot clinics, employees have easy access to the preventative vaccinations they need.
7 Office Tips To Combat Flu Season
1. Workers with flu-like symptoms should always be separated from other employees and sent home. Most agree that adults are contagious for 24 hours following the absence of fever – and workers should stay home until that threshold.
2. Educate workers on appropriate hand hygiene. Employees should wash their hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
3. Emphasize respiratory etiquette for all, not only those who have symptoms of the flu. Encourage workers to cover their coughs and sneezes. Provide tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles for use by employees.
4. Clean surfaces and items that are most likely to have frequent hand contact with anti-bacterial cleaner or wipes.
5. Provide cleaning materials to employees so they can likewise clean their individual work spaces.
6. Advise workers about precautions they may need to take to protect their health when traveling for work.
7. Proper sleep helps keep bodies running at their best, and helps recovery happen quicker. At any stage of the disease, and before infection, sleep is one of the best things you can do to remain healthy.
All of this is helpful information your employees should have. But don’t underestimate the importance prevention. The best way to protect yourself and your employees is to get the flu shot.
