TL;DR: Flu season hits harder than you think — especially at work. Germs hide on shared surfaces, and the virus can spread before symptoms show up. These surprising facts will change how you think about office hygiene, sick days, and how to keep your team healthy all season long.
Just when you thought pumpkin spice was the biggest thing arriving this fall, flu season shows up quietly, ready to crash your calendar and your immune system.
But before you roll your eyes and chalk it up as “just a bad cold,” hold up.
The flu is sneakier, faster, and way more powerful than most people realize. In fact, there’s a lot about the flu that might just surprise you. And the more you know about it, the better prepared you’ll be to stay healthy and keep your team going strong.
From strange historical facts to things most people never hear about, we’re diving into the weird, wild world of influenza, and why this fall is the perfect time to protect yourself and your workplace.
A Brief History of the Flu
The flu has been around a long time. Like, ancient-Rome-long. But it’s not just an old virus — it’s a clever one. It evolves. It adapts. And when we underestimate it, it reminds us who’s boss. Especially in places like the workplace, where viruses love to mingle.
The first major outbreak we know of was in 1580.
That’s over 400 years ago! It swept through Asia, Europe, and North Africa. And guess what? People quarantined, avoided crowds, and tried to protect others. Sound familiar?
The 1918 flu pandemic changed everything.
Also known as the Spanish flu, it infected about one-third of the world’s population. The pandemic was both far-reaching and deadly, with estimates suggesting that 10 to 20 percent of those who caught the virus didn’t survive. It hit young, healthy adults especially hard.
It didn’t stop there.
We’ve had several major flu pandemics since:
- 1957 (Asian flu)
- 1968 (Hong Kong flu)
- 2009 (H1N1 “swine flu”)
Each time, the flu virus changed just enough to catch us off guard.
And today?
We’re better prepared than ever. Thanks to annual flu shots, improved hygiene, and fast public health response. But the virus still evolves every year, which is why the vaccine gets updated every single season.
Understanding the history of the flu helps explain why prevention matters today. Because even though we’ve come a long way since 1918, the flu still costs the U.S. billions of dollars each year in lost productivity, medical costs, and absenteeism. And for some people, it’s still life-threatening.
13 Flu Facts You Might Not Know
Here’s a closer look at what makes the flu such a formidable foe and why prevention is worth prioritizing:
1. The flu and a cold are not the same.
Yes, they can feel similar. But the flu hits harder and faster. Think fever, body aches, chills, and serious fatigue. A cold usually builds slowly. The flu doesn’t wait.
2. You can spread the flu before you feel sick.
The flu virus is sneaky. You can spread it a full day before flu symptoms even start. That means Monday meetings can turn into Thursday sick days for the whole office.
3. The flu virus changes every year.
That’s why the flu shot is updated annually. Scientists study which strains are spreading around the globe and design the vaccine to match. It’s like updating your cell phone software, it keeps you protected.
4. Healthy people can still get seriously sick.
Even if you’re young and in great shape, the flu can knock you out for a week or more. And in rare cases, it can lead to complications like pneumonia or other serious illnesses. Staying healthy isn’t a guarantee, but a flu shot helps reduce your risk.
5. Flu season isn’t caused by cold weather but the virus likes it.
The flu virus thrives in dry, cold air. That’s why winter is its favorite time to make the rounds — especially indoors with the windows shut.
6. The flu can spread up to six feet
Yep. Just talking, coughing, or sneezing can launch flu droplets into the air and onto surfaces. Your keyboard? Coffee pot? Office door handle? All fair game.
7. The flu shot doesn’t just protect you.
It helps protect that coworker who’s pregnant, your manager’s toddler at home, and the teammate who takes care of an elderly parent. When enough people get vaccinated, it slows the spread — even protecting folks who can’t get the shot themselves.
8. You can get flu and COVID at the same time.
Double trouble. Experts call it “flurona,” and it’s as nasty as it sounds. Getting your flu shot is one powerful way to reduce your risk of a miserable viral tag-team.
9. The flu virus can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours.
Research shows that both influenza A and B viruses can live on hard surfaces — like stainless steel, plastic, and doorknobs — for up to 24 to 48 hours. That elevator button? Desk phone? Breakroom microwave handle? Yep, still contagious. (And definitely worth a wipe-down.)
10. The flu makes you feel tired because your body is working overtime.
When the flu virus enters your system, your immune response kicks into high gear. Think of it like an internal emergency crew springing into action. But all that immune system activity takes a toll. It uses up tons of energy, which is why you feel so drained. On top of that, fever (a common flu symptom) speeds up your metabolism and increases the demand for energy, leaving you even more exhausted.
11. You can still get the flu even if you’ve had it before.
There are four main types of flu — A, B, C, and D. A and B cause seasonal outbreaks in people. C is milder, and D mostly affects cattle. Each year, they show up with new twists, which is why last year’s immunity might not help this time.
12. The name “influenza” comes from the Italian word for “influence.”
In the 1300s, people believed the illness was influenced by the stars. The term was shortened to flu in the first half of the 19th century. Thankfully, we’ve upgraded to science since then.
13. The flu hits businesses, too.
It costs U.S. employers over $11.2 billion a year in lost productivity alone. Add in healthcare costs, and the number more than doubles. On-site flu shot clinics aren’t just health perks. They’re smart business.
Why This Matters at Work
One person with the flu can unintentionally spread it to dozens of others. In workplaces where people collaborate, share space, or even just pass in the hallway, that’s a big deal.
Flu season doesn’t just affect sick days, it impacts productivity, morale, and overall wellness. Getting a flu shot helps protect you and the people around you.
Here are some easy ways to help prevent the spread of the flu:
- Get your flu shot
- Stay home if you’re feeling sick
- Wash your hands regularly
- Keep hand sanitizer nearby (and use it!)
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
Taking a few simple steps now — like getting vaccinated or encouraging your team to do so — can lead to a healthier, happier workplace all season long.
Need an easy way to protect your team? Book your on-site flu shot clinic with TotalWellness now. It’s fast. It’s easy.
