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Recently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released data indicating flu season activity for this year. In the United States, flu season typically runs from October to May. Generally, in a February report, the agency’s flu severity assessment showed case data that exceeded any flu season since 2009-2010. Consequently, employers may feel the ramifications of the flu as workers might stay home to care for others or themselves. In previous years, the CDC has advocated for states to respond to increased flu cases to prevent widespread infection.
What Is Influenza?
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by different influenza viruses. Basically, these viruses infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Overall, it can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, can lead to death. According to the CDC, the best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
Symptoms of the Flu
Markedly, flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:
- fever or feeling feverish/chills,
- cough,
- sore throat,
- runny or stuffy nose,
- muscle or body aches,
- headaches,
- fatigue (tiredness),
- vomiting, and
- diarrhea
How Does the Flu Spread?
For the most part, the CDC believes that flu viruses spread through droplets made when people cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of nearby people. Meanwhile, a person might get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it. That virus then spreads when the person touches their mouth, nose, or eyes. Due to the close nature of workplaces, the ability to spread the virus is very high, especially during flu season.
The CDC’s Flu Season Severity Assessment for 2024-2025
Specifically, the CDC uses certain information to assess the severity of weekly influenza activity. This data includes doctor visits for influenza-like symptoms, flu-related hospitalizations, and flu-coded deaths. According to the agency’s report issued on March 1, the severity assessment peaks measured since October 1st, 2024, are the following:
- Influenza-like illnesses across all ages: High (7.8%)
- Flu hospitalization rate across all ages: High (23.4 for every 100,000 people)
- Flu deaths across all ages: High (2.9%)
It is important to note that all of the numbers listed above are higher than the peaks of all flu seasons since 2009-2010.
Employer Takeaways
In conclusion, with the surge of flu cases this season, employers will most likely be affected by workers arriving ill or not showing up. Earlier, it was mentioned that although people can catch the flu year-round, flu season is generally October through May. Before this time of the year, employers may want to create a plan to communicate various strategies with managers, supervisors, and employees. Information on when to stay home if they’re sick to prevent the spread should be included. Also, contingency plans for filling in for missing employees should be covered.
The CDC also offers tips to help stop the spread of germs. These tips include cleaning frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs. Employers can also encourage employees to wash their hands to protect them from germs. Finally, all workplaces should have a supply of tissues, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand rubs, and disposable wipes. These preventative items help promote wellness and continued workplace safety.
