Many Americans can't afford to take sick days - KSFY News - Sioux Falls, SD News, Weather, Sports

     You know that coughing co-worker you wish would stay home?

     Turns out, many Americans cannot afford to. 

     According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly a third of the nation's employees can't take sick days. 

     While most full-timers get paid sick days, only a fraction of part-time workers get them. 

     That's raising health risks on everyone as the flu outbreak hits early and hard this year.

     It's also costly for businesses. 

     The Centers for Disease Control estimates that even a typical flu season costs companies about $10.4 billion.