The Center for Disease Control in Atlanta is not only counting flu cases; it's estimating flu costs in the world of work.
Epidemiologists say the seasonal flu will cost businesses that cover employee insurance nearly $10.5 billion in direct costs for hospitalizations and outpatient visits.
That number does not include sick pay, work delays or lost productivity.
The CDC says prevention is a challenge, because the flu virus can spread to others up to 6 feet away, and the germs remain suspended in the air.