Data shows almost half of people with flu-like symptoms miss work or school
Data from the UK Health Security Agency's FluSurvey reveals that nearly half of individuals with flu-like symptoms miss work or school. The report emphasizes the importance of early vaccination to mitigate the economic and social disruption caused by respiratory illnesses.
Why it matters
It quantifies the societal and economic impact of seasonal illnesses, reinforcing the public health argument for vaccination programs.
Flu vaccination remains our best defence against workplace and school absenteeism.
UKHSA has published insights from FluSurvey , which highlight the wider impact of flu-like illness on people's daily lives.
The findings show that most participants reported that their illness disrupted their daily life with the majority treating their symptoms at home, while 14% sought help from their GP or a healthcare service.
Among those in work or in education, 47% reported missing work or school due to their symptoms and the majority reported taking medication, most commonly painkillers, to manage their illness.
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