Annual Impact of Flu on Hospitals, Economy Greater Than Thought: New Study
Each year, flu epidemics in the U.S. result in 3.1 million hospital stays, 31.4 million outpatient visits and create an overall economic burden of approximately $87.1 billion, including medical expenses and lost earnings. The new figures come from a study published in the June 2007 issue of the journal Vaccine, based on publicly available epidemiological data. The study results -- the first ever to estimate the annual economic burden -- are necessary to track the effectiveness of vaccination efforts and to guide public policy.
In the U.S., flu epidimics typically occur in the late fall and early winter seasons. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) immunization is the single best way to prevent the flu, followed by good health habits and antiviral drugs (such as amantadine, rimantadine, zanamavir and oseltamavir), which can help prevent it. The agency also recommends these public health tips to avoid spreading the flu if you are contagious:
- "Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze—throw the tissue away after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
- If you get the flu, stay home from work, school, and social gatherings. In this way you will help prevent others from catching your illness.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way."
- Flu deaths among healthy children
- CDC flu vaccination guidelines
- Safety of flu vaccine for very young children
- Doctors frequently miss flu diagnosis in children
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