75 Million Missed Work Days Expected This Flu Season

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Article Date: 29 Oct 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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More than 97 million(1) cases of the flu are reported annually, financially challenging working families by the loss of wages caused by missed work days. QuickHealth meets the challenge by providing updated information and guidance to patients and their families -- in language -- to clarify treatment options and to help them make better healthcare decisions.

"The wealth of information available during the flu season can be daunting and confusing to someone affected by flu," stated QuickHealth Chief Medical Officer Paul Gorman. "The flu is not only a physical illness. The financial ramifications affect working families throughout California. This is where QuickHealth can play a vital role in helping patients avoid the flu or by properly treating a flu diagnosis."

Government health statistics report show that 15 million to 60 million Americans are affected by the flu each year, with as many as 70 million missed workdays. With median weekly earnings of $675, un-paid sick leave costs an employee $135 per day.

To help patients and their family be better prepared to manage the flu, QuickHealth has created a simple patient and family support guide:

1. Be an active participant in your healthcare. Speak to your doctor or a QuickHealth doctor about revised guidelines around who should receive the flu shot. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone should be vaccinated, especially children 6 months and up, pregnant women, people who live with and care for those at high risk for complications from the flu and people with certain types of chronic conditions, including diabetes.

2. Get this year's flu vaccine. The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness with potentially serious complications. The flu vaccine changes every year so last year's flu shot does not protect you against this year's flu season.

3. Wash your hands. The most important thing you can do to prevent illness or to stop it from spreading is to wash your hands frequently to prevent the transmission of viruses and bacteria.

4. If you suspect you have the flu, consult your doctor early on for the best treatment. Stay at home, get lots of rest, drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol and tobacco.

"QuickHealth provides flu shots to patients 6 months and older, seven days a week, with extended hours with no appointment necessary," added Gorman. "QuickHealth licensed professionals will treat patients quickly, conveniently and with less expense than visiting a traditional doctors office -- whether or not the patient has insurance."

(1) 97,920,000 per year, 8,160,000 per month, 1,883,076 per week, 268,273 per day, 11,178 per hour, 186 per minute, 3 per second. (NIAID/CDC)

About QuickHealth: Headquartered in San Mateo, California, and with multiple locations throughout California, QuickHealth, Inc. makes high quality primary medical care affordable and convenient. QuickHealth addresses the needs of the uninsured and under-insured for primary care and provides a convenient alternative for the insured population. Medical services are provided by licensed physicians and medical assistants employed by QuickHealth Medical Corporation. QuickHealth locations are open 7 days a week with extended hours and with no appointment necessary. Privately held since its inception in 2005, both QuickHealth, Inc. and QuickHealth Medical Corporation are California corporations. http://www.QuickHealth.com

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