By Katie Culliton, Editor, CalChamber
California’s flu season is in full swing, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting statewide flu activity at very high levels and positive flu lab results up 25 percent. Many respiratory viruses beyond influenza are considered part of flu season, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19. Overall respiratory illness activity is currently high in the United States; these respiratory viruses are not only easily spread through the air by coughing or sneezing, but also by touching contaminated items.
Millions of people get sick with the flu each year, so flu season can take a massive toll on the workplace both in terms of employee health and welfare and a company’s bottom line. For instance, following the onset of flu symptoms, a full-time employee can expect to lose, on average, 3.5 of their five work days in a given week due to absenteeism and presenteeism, according to one study. Presenteeism refers to an employee who is at work but not functioning at full capacity due to illness, injury or another factor. Most people who get the flu will recover in a few days to two weeks, but some develop complications that can keep them out of the workplace even longer.
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