Why does the flu spread more and more every year?

Every year, 20 million americans go to work with a virus or infection because they don't have paid sick leave. Research proves that when people are sick they should stay home to prevent something like the flu from spreading. This year has been by far the nastiest flu season of them all. It has been a record setting year for this potentially deadly virus.

“For those who are already sick, please stay home from work or school,” acting director of the Centers for Disease Control Anne Schuchat urged on a recent call with reporters. “That is such an important recommendation to follow. Otherwise you run the risk of spreading the virus to others—and what may be mild symptoms to you could be deadly to someone else.”

But then reality sets in because thing unpaid days off from work is not an option for many Americans. Businesses need to be functioning in order for most Americans to make money. The United States is the only wealthy country that does not guarantee paid days off for illness. That leaves it up to companies to decide whether to extend these benefits to all of there workers. In reality it often means that upper-level employees at large companies get paid sick leave, but low-wage workers often don’t.

According to a 2009 report from the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR), “More than 83 percent of Americans in the top decile of earners in their occupation get paid sick leave, but only 23 percent get that benefit in the bottom 10 percent.” Estimates from the Bureau of Lobar Statistics suggest that at least 60% of private-sector workers don't have paid sick days. This is one of the large differences between high and low wage workers.

Research shows that staying home, whether that means you are binge watching your favorite netflix series or baking cookies all day, prevents other people from getting sick. The CDC says, “The flu, like all viruses, can only spread if we, the carriers, allow it to. We can’t instantly isolate everyone with influenza, but we can promote staying home.”

The elderly and young are at the highest risk of infection because of there relatively weak immune system compared to middle aged people. Something so simple like touching a door knob or a gas pump can spread the virus on a massive scale. That same CEPR report found that “nursing homes that provide their employees with paid sick days have lower rates of respiratory and gastrointestinal illness among the patients they serve.”

Why does it cause deaths?

Inflammation may occur when white blood cells try to eliminate the virus from your system. This is an immune reaction that is supposed to heal you. Well, in large amounts inflammation is not good, especially around large organs. Too much inflammation can be very dangerous. Multiple organs shutting down can lead to a quick death. The second most common way people die from the flue is due to a bacterial infection, commonly known as pneumonia. A secondary infection, like pneumonia, may actually cause you to feel better after a few days but then you will be overcome with pain and feel much worse. Before you know it these bacteria have taken over your lungs and your immune system can not keep up.

In the 2009 H1N1 pandemic alone, estimates suggest that around 5 to 7 million more people got the flu from someone who came to work sick, and that an additional 1,500 people died (chodosh).

According to the CEPR report, “Firms that provide paid sick days and leave tend to have lower job turnover rates, lower recruitment and training costs, lower unnecessary absenteeism, and a higher level of productivity than firms that do not offer these kinds of benefits.” People cannot work at full capacity when they are ill. Pushing through a sickness can only make your illness worse.

Americans need paid sick days each year. We are in perhaps the worst flu season of all time. Just two years ago, Tom Perez and Margot Dorfman, then the U.S. Labor Secretary and CEO of the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce respectively, argued that access to paid sick leave isn’t just good public health policy or good business. It’s “a moral imperative (Chodosh).”

Personal Note

This year I, myself, have been infected with the #flu. Let me tell you, it is not fun. The first few days I was overcome with the general sick feeling. Then, things took a dramatic turn. My worst was when I had a 104 degree fever for about two. Other synptoms were: myasthenia, extra-occular pain, cephalgia, sweating, tachycardia, and lack of appetite. If you have any of these symptoms see a physician immediately.

-Maré Productions