CDC: 1 in 5 Children Had Flu-Like Symptoms in Early October

By MB -
Findings from a survey done by the CDC in early October 2009 show that 1 in 5 children whose families were polled had a flu-like symptom in the past week. One CDC official said there have been as many flu-related hospitalizations in the past month as there usually are in an entire flu season.

While many of the cases have been mild, the CDC and many others recommend that those who are sick stay home until they are fever-free - one county has even told workers to stay home or risk being fired.

For many workers in the US, though, the opposite is true - working sick may be all that keeps them from being fired. In fact, one in six workers reports that they or a family member have been disciplined, fired, or threatened with termination for taking sick time for themselves or a relative. 48% of private workers have no paid sick time to care for themselves when they are ill. 94 million people do not have paid sick time to use to care for their children.

What can you do?

  • Ask your legislators to cosponsor the Healthy Families Act! While some of Pennsylvania's legislators have cosponsored the bill already, the rest need to hear from you about why paid sick time is important to you and your family.
  • Join us on Facebook to support earned sick time in Pennsylvania and in Philadelphia, or become part of our coalition of advocates and businesses working to ensure all Philadelphians and Pennsylvanians have the opportunity to earn sick time.
Also, please tell us what you think about the need for paid sick leave in the comments: do you have paid leave? If not, what do you do when you or your children are sick?

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