This Flu Season Will Get Worse Before it Gets Better: 5 Steps for Employers
As the new year gets underway, one workplace risk is already clear: the current flu season is shaping up to be one of the more intense in recent years. Public health data shows high and rising flu activity across much of the country, which increases pressure on employers to manage absenteeism, protect employee health, keep operations running, and consider the question of vaccinations (among other things) . This Insight outlines what’s different about this flu season and why it should matter to employers, and gives you five practical steps to take now. What’s Different About This Year Several indicators suggest this is not a “routine” flu year. Staggering numbers The sheer number of estimated illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths from flu (as compiled by the CDC) is daunting for any year, but especially so early in the season. Increasing rate of illness The number of positive flu tests has spiked in the past few weeks. Holiday travel and gatherings appear to have accelerated com...