Walgreens: Flu disrupted vacation plans for 11 million Americans in 2012

DEERFIELD, Ill. — More than 11 million Americans had vacation plans disrupted by the flu in 2012, according to Walgreens' recent Impact Survey, the company announced Tuesday.   

"It is important to remember that the vaccine doesn't just protect the person getting a flu shot, it helps to protect friends, family, co-workers and others with whom they're coming in contact," said Harry Leider, Walgreens chief medical officer. "This time of year, germs and viruses can easily spread as people travel, gather for the holidays and enjoy other seasonal community activities. Last year we saw the widespread effect this can have for those who maybe didn't take the proper preventive measures." 

The Walgreens Flu Impact Report found that last year's severe flu season significantly impacted holiday events in general, with 17 million of them cancelled or interrupted, based on survey projections. The 2012-2013 flu season was one of the most severe in the United States in more than a decade and, according to the study, had three times the impact than a more typical flu season on travel and holiday plans.

The Flu Impact Survey was conducted online within the United States by USamp on behalf of Walgreens from Aug. 27 to Sept. 4, 2013, among 1,200 nationally representative adults ages 18 years and older.