Has the Flu Fizzled in the U.S.?

Here we are in mid-January, with winter winds blowing by and snow piling up in many regions of the United States. Where's the dreaded winter flu?

American health experts say influenza cases are dipping, at least so far this year.

"If you look at the nation as a whole, we are seeing low [influenza] activity across the country," reported Tom Skinner, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spokesman.

Could H1N1 and other flu fears from recent years have sent us all flying out for flu shots? Are we practicing better personal hygiene? Or are we simply living on borrowed time, from a flu outbreak standpoint?

Annually, flu cases seem to peak in the early months of the year. Maybe there's still time. For now, however, we're counting our blessings and saving those sick days. Who knows when we may still need them?

Clock-punchers, beware.

This year, the boss may raise an eyebrow or two, if an employee tries to call in sick with the flu and stay home in her pajamas. Between the increasingly popular flu shot and the reduced number of cases at this point in the season, such an excuse may not hold water and might evoke a snotty comeback from a coworker or supervisor.

A fake cough or sneeze may not clear the way for spontaneous sick leave, even if no hanky-panky is involved. Those who falsely claim to bow to the porcelain god may find themselves kowtowing to the job market instead. Even an employee who actually has the dreaded flu may find herself questioned, if the boss has read recent health statistics.

Be ready to fly, if you claim to have the flu. If you're not really sick, the excuse won't stick!

Still, epidemiological researchers (or disease watchers) maintain that this year's flu may still be on the way, so healthy hygiene is still a must. And that's nothing to sneeze at.

More from Linda Ann:

Fight the Flu with Correct Hand Washing

Top 10 Ways to Survive the Flu

Top Ten Grocery Items to Buy for Cold and Flu Season