With the recent swine flu scare thankfully come to an end, it does bring to light the fact that we should always be concerned during flu season. It is vital to do everything possible to remain healthy, avoid contamination, and keep the illness from spreading to others. One of the simplest answers is to stay home from work when one is sick, but this unfortunately is not a reality when it comes to American workers.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) clearly states instructions to stay home when ill with the flu. This will not only prevent the spreading of the flu, but will also lessen the recovery time for the individual. However, more than half of the workers in America state that they do not get paid for sick days. This means that they either have to follow medical advice by losing their pay, or by heading to work and infecting others. Taking time off is not an option for many.
What is the cure? Other than a nice bowl of chicken soup, and staying home, lawmakers are considering guaranteed paid sick days for all workers. In California, AB1000 aims to protect those workers with pay for days while ill. This would not only allow workers to stay home and recover, it will also keep the possibility of further infection from spreading to others. Studies show that over a third of flu cases are transmitted in schools and workplaces. By allowing a more lenient policy for sick days, we ensure better health for workers and their families, a decreased risk for further outbreaks of the illness, and the reduction of health care costs. It is a win-win for all.
Tags: preventative care, wellness
