Millions brace for ‘Super Bowl Flu’ after game night
- The impending slog of "Super Bowl Monday" looms large
- Late-night festivities guarantee a less productive start to the workweek
- 16 million Americans are predicted to call in sick
(NewsNation) — As the dust settles in Allegiant Stadium, where 65,000 fervent fans cheered on their teams, the aftermath of Super Bowl Sunday is expected to reverberate across the nation, with tens of millions of Americans bracing themselves for the inevitable “Super Bowl Flu” come Monday.
The enthusiasm surrounding the event was palpable, with revelers nationwide planning extravagant parties and celebrations. However, the impending slog of “Super Bowl Monday” looms large, as the late-night festivities guarantee a less productive start to the workweek.
“I already called in sick,” admitted one reveler, reflecting the sentiment shared by many who anticipate battling the post-game fatigue.
Statistics paint a telling picture, with an estimated 16 million Americans predicted to call in sick, while others opt for remote work arrangements to minimize their Monday workload.
Advocates for a national holiday on the day after the Super Bowl are renewing their push, citing the widespread impact of “Super Bowl Flu” on the workforce and students alike.
In Paris, Kentucky, the school district has preemptively canceled classes, with the superintendent cheekily urging families to enjoy their day off.
“Monday should be a national holiday, absolutely. The day after the Super Bowl, whenever that falls. The plan is to work remote, as little as possible,” one attendee said.
The idea of establishing a national holiday gained traction last year when two Tennessee lawmakers proposed replacing Columbus Day with a post-Super Bowl Monday holiday.
Economic repercussions from absenteeism and decreased productivity are not to be underestimated, with recent estimates pegging losses at approximately six billion dollars.
This year, the phenomenon of “Super Bowl Flu” may reach unprecedented levels, fueled by the fervor of “Taylormania.” Taylor Swift, fresh from a string of sold-out concerts in Japan, is set to grace the event, with no imminent return to work until her Eras Tour resumes in Australia later in the week.