Las Vegas employers weather flu season

Michelle Swafford

Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2004 | 11:01 a.m.

This year's flu season has been marked by worse symptoms than during previous outbreaks -- but local employers say it's not necessarily driving up absenteeism.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported flu cases were widespread in 42 states including Nevada during the last week of December. News reports in other parts of the country say employers are struggling to keep up with workloads with so many workers home sick.

The flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by an influenza virus. It typically affects people from October to March and can lead to hospitalization or death in some cases. People who are most at risk for the flu are over age 65, under age two or have a chronic medical condition.

Each year the flu costs employers an estimated $1 billion in lost work and treatment, the American Medical Association reported.

The Clark County Health District and the Centers for Disease Control are urging people who have the flu to stay home to avoid spreading the illness to others and to minimize the losses to employers.

Valley employers say some employees are missing work lately, but no more than usual during the flu season.

Thomas Hubbard, branch manager of Adecco Employment Services in Henderson, said his company has filled several positions for clients with sick employees, but that's typical for this time of year. Even a few of his temporary employees have had to be replaced because they were sick, he said.

"I tell my employees, 'Hey, if you're sick don't come to work because you're going to do me more bad than good,' " Hubbard said.

Most of the requests for temporary workers are for receptionists to answer company telephones for one or two days, he said.

"I don't think it's any worse. I think it's about normal," he said. "The flu strain is worse and society in general is panicking."

Manpower Inc. of Southern Nevada said the number of absences is typical for this time of year.

"We have not seen any influence at all from the flu," said Marcia Werber, Manpower district manager. "We haven't gotten additional orders (for workers)."

Yvette Monet, MGM MIRAGE spokeswoman, said absenteeism is not up significantly from last year.

"We really haven't had any unusual situations this year," she said.

Although large employers say they have not been drastically affected, the number of flu cases in Clark County is up significantly this season.

The Clark County Health District has confirmed 184 cases of the flu and two flu-related deaths. Also, the number of flu-like illnesses is above the national average.

In calendar year 2002, which would include two flu seasons, there were 59 confirmed cases of the flu.

What makes this year's Nevada flu season different is that it revved up earlier, said Dr. Donald Kwalick, chief health officer for the health district.

Typically, Nevadans don't contract the flu until January, after partying, traveling and mixing with a variety of people, Kwalick said.

He said it is hard to tell if Clark County has reached a peak in the number of flu cases for the season or if more people could be missing work in the days ahead.

Employees who have been fortunate enough to avoid the flu should wash their hands frequently, avoid touching their nose and eyes and get a vaccination, Kwalick said.