Middle-age workers benefit from flu shot

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. workers age 50-64 who received an influenza vaccine lost substantially fewer days of work and worked fewer days while ill, researchers said.

The study involved 497 people, 404 of whom received a flu vaccination. An influenza-like illness was reported by 17.1 percent of the study participants and was responsible for 39 percent of all work days lost.

Dr. Kristin Nichol of the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center found that, on average, the individuals were sick for eight days, missed one and a half days of work, and worked for four days while still symptomatic. Additionally, 30 percent visited a healthcare provider. The symptoms of illness appeared more severe in unvaccinated individuals, although the differences were not statistically significant.

The study, published in the Feb. 1 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, found among unvaccinated study participants, influenza-like illnesses were associated with 45 percent of all days of illness during the flu season. However, with vaccination, there was a 45 percent decrease in the risk of illness as well as a reduction of more than 60 percent in the numbers of days of illness, work loss, working while ill and days in bed.

"This study is a reminder of the importance of influenza vaccine," Nichols said in a statement. "It's not too late to get your flu shot."