“We have a hotline for people to call if they’re having problems accessing paid family leave or paid sick time, which we have here in New York City,” [A Better Balance’s Sherry] Leiwant said. “We hear all the time from people how life-changing it is having these benefits and how important they are for taking care of their families.”

Can’t go into work because you’re watching the kids due to school cancellations this week? How about an elderly family member whose care center has been closed? If you live in Minneapolis or St. Paul, you may still be entitled to your normal wages.

Plenty of us have had to make the uncomfortable decision of whether or not to go to work sick. Thanks to unforgiving sick leave policies and company cultures that encourage you to “push through” illness, taking a legit sick day feels rarer and rarer.

The flu bug does not discriminate. But the equity ends there. Calling in sick is more costly in America to those who can afford it least, and we all share the burden via infected workplaces, schools and child care.