What Is the Average Time Missed From Work Because of the Flu?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges people to avoid returning to school or work until influenza has run its complete course. This will help to prevent the spread of the highly contagious influenza virus.

Contagious Period

• Although a person can be sick for a couple of days before knowing it, as soon as symptoms for the flu appear, they should avoid going to work. Adults may miss an average of seven days from work because the flu can be contagious for this long after symptoms appear, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Recognizing Flu Symptoms

• Symptoms of the flu include fatigue, fever, stuffy nose, sore throat, chills, body aches, vomiting and diarrhea. When these symptoms appear, you should avoid going to school or work to keep from transmitting the virus.

Returning to Work

• The CDC recommends waiting a minimum of 24 hours after a flu-associated fever has broken (without aid of anti-inflammatory medication) before returning to work. This will help reduce the number of people who come into contact with the virus.

Spreading the Flu

• Returning to work too soon can result in spreading the flu virus, which is transmitted through coughing and sneezing and touching infected objects before touching the mouth or nose. The best way to avoid transmitting the virus is to avoid contact with other people while you're infected.

Prevention

• Certain preventative steps can be taken to avoid contracting the flu, which will reduce the number of days missed at work or school due to illness. Avoid touching the nose or mouth, especially after touching other objects, and wash hands frequently throughout the day.