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Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus that infects the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs.
Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and can even lead to death.
The flu virus is very easy to spread, especially through small droplets that come out when the sufferer coughs, flu, sneezes, or talks. These droplets will enter the mouth or nose of those around them, making it easily contagious. A person can also catch the flu by touching surfaces or objects that have the flu virus on them and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.
Difference between Flu and Cold
Flu and cold are different diseases. Flu is caused by the influenza virus or other viruses that cause respiratory problems. A cold, on the other hand, is caused by adenovirus or coronavirus.
The symptoms that appear in flu and colds also have differences.
Body heat
When you get the flu, someone will feel hot or feverish, body chills, and body aches. Meanwhile, people with colds do not always feel accompanied by body aches or chills.
Headache
People with the flu tend to experience severe headaches, while those with colds experience milder headaches.
Sneeze
Flu sufferers rarely experience sneezing. While people with colds often complain of repeated sneezing that interferes with daily activities.
Tiredness or lack of energy
When experiencing the flu, sufferers feel tired or unenergetic, so they are not eager to move. Whereas people with colds rarely feel tired, weak and lethargic.
Chest pain
In flu sufferers, complaints of chest pain are often felt. Some people even think this chest pain may be caused by heart disease, even though this chest pain appears due to repeated coughing which causes the chest respiratory muscles to tense or contract.
Sore throat
Throat pain like swallowing a fish barb is also often complained of by people with flu. This occurs due to inflammation or injury in the throat. While people with colds do not experience this.
Nasal congestion
Flu sufferers do not always feel a stuffy nose. While people who have a cold often complain of this symptom.
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Employees Can Be Absent for Up to Three Days due to Flu
In the end, influenza is a persistent public health problem that places a significant burden on patients, employers and society.
In a study published by Springer in 2022, it was found that around 20-75 percent of employees were absent from work due to illness across study settings and populations.
The time of absence of sick employees varies considerably, ranging from one to 10 days, with an average of two to three days.
In a review by F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd in Switzerland of 63 studies from 2007-2022, it was concluded that 75 percent of employees missed work because of the flu. While 60-80 percent of employees choose to continue working despite experiencing flu symptoms.
Employee Absenteeism Costs Companies Big Money
Employee absenteeism due to illness costs companies more money. A study conducted by APSS Trento at the company PT Komatsu Italia Manufacturing during the 2017-2018 flu season found that the cost of absenteeism for employees who were not vaccinated against the flu reached around Rp2.2 million per month, compared to those who were vaccinated, which was around Rp913 thousand per month.
Meanwhile, in a study by F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd in Switzerland, it was reported that the annual cost to the company for influenza-related absenteeism reached Rp655 billion per 100 thousand employees.
How to Prevent Flu
Launching from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are several things that can be done to prevent the spread of flu.
- Getting the flu vaccine
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- When you have the flu, do not leave the house for at least 24 hours or until symptoms improve
- Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
- Using a mask
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth.
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Flu Vaccination Effectively Prevents Flu
The best way to prevent flu is to get a flu vaccination. The flu vaccine can also reduce the severity of illness in vaccinated people when they are sick with the flu, reduce the risk of hospitalization, and is also useful for protecting those around them.
Especially for productive ages such as workers or employees (18-64 years old), the effectiveness of vaccines against all types of influenza ranges from 36 percent-55 percent.
According to a study published in Springer, overall, absenteeism was lower for people who received a flu vaccination compared to other employees who were not vaccinated. The study also showed that the flu has a significant impact on a person’s ability to work, which also impacts the company they work for and society.
Come on, don’t hesitate, immediately contact Good Doctor Indonesia to get great deals on flu vaccination programs for your employees!
References:
– CDC.gov, About Influenza,
– https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/CDC_AAref_Val=
-https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm, Publish 2024
– National Institute of Health, Impact of Influenza and Influenza-Like Illness on Work Productivity Outcomes: A Systematic Literature Review, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9748403/. Publish 2022
– Good Doctor, This is the Difference between Colds and Flu that You Need to Know, https://www.gooddoctor.co.id/hidup-sehat/info-sehat/perbedaan-pilek-dan-flu/. Publish 2020
– National Institute of Health, Influenza vaccination and absenteeism among healthy working adults: a cost-benefit analysis, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32266361/. Publish 2020
– CDC.giv, Preventing Seasonal Flu, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/index.html. Publish 2024
– National Institute of Health, Interim 2023/2024 Season Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness in Primary and Secondary Care in the United Kingdom, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11109477/. Publish 2024.