The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that, on average, seasonal flu outbreaks cost the nation’s employers $10.4 billion in direct costs of hospitalization and outpatient visits. According to reports compiled by global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., 29 of 41 states reporting flu cases say the outbreak is at “severe” levels.

In Greater Des Moines, local hospitals are asking people to refrain from visiting emergency rooms for non-emergent medical care, according to a press release sent out by Mercy Medical Center, Iowa Health – Des Moines and Broadlawns Medical Center today. 

They are also temporarily limiting visitors to the facilities, allowing no more than two visitors at a time. Visitors must be 18 years of age or older, with the exception of cases involving critically ill patients.

Challenger, Gray & Christmas CEO John Challenger said in a company release that with this shaping up to be the worst flu season in a decade, employees should resist the urge to come to work when they are sick. 

“While sick employees may think they are doing the right thing by ‘toughing it out’ and coming into work when ill, the fact is they are only making matters worse,” he said. “Whether it is motivated by job security or a desire to continue making a contribution in an overburdened workplace, ‘presenteeism,’ as it has come to be called, only spreads illness to more workers and further damages the employers’ ability to meet demand.”

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