The current state of flu season globally
The 2024–2025 flu season is hitting hard—both in the U.S. and around the world. Each year, seasonal flu reaches roughly 1 billion people globally, with 3 to 5 million cases becoming severe. That’s not just a number—it’s a reminder of how far and fast the flu virus can travel.
According to the World Health Organization, between 290,000 and 650,000 people lose their lives each year to flu-related respiratory complications. It’s a staggering toll that reinforces the ongoing importance of flu vaccines and coordinated disease control.
In the United States, the CDC reported a sharp uptick in flu activity from October through mid-December 2023. The numbers speak for themselves: up to 10 million flu illnesses, nearly 5 million medical visits, over 100,000 hospitalizations, and as many as 9,500 deaths during this flu season alone.
At the same time, COVID-19 is seeing a modest resurgence, compounding the pressure on healthcare systems and frontline workers—including those in the restaurant industry.
Globally, the situation mirrors these concerns. The WHO’s FluNet Summary tracked more than 301,000 flu tests between November 13 and 26, 2023. Of those, over 36,000 came back positive for the influenza virus—most of them influenza A. Europe, the Americas, and the Eastern Mediterranean are all experiencing wide-scale flu activity, even with increased access to the flu shot in many regions.
This level of transmission isn’t just a health stat—it’s a wake-up call. It demands quick, practical responses from all sectors, especially hospitality.
That’s where smart tools like QR Code KIT come in. For restaurants, retailers, and office-based businesses navigating the risks of flu in restaurants and COVID combined, QR technology offers a modern way to cut down contact, protect customers, and support safe operations.
The impact of flu and COVID-19 on restaurants
As flu and COVID-19 resurged toward the end of 2023, restaurants once again found themselves on the front lines. From managing sick workers to protecting food safety and upholding a healthy environment for both customers and restaurant staff, the pressure hasn’t let up.
These public health concerns aren’t happening in a vacuum. Rising costs, labor shortages, and shifting consumer habits have forced many hospitality businesses to rethink how they operate. Menus are getting leaner, prices are rising, and more restaurants are leaning into takeout and delivery to stay afloat.
In the face of all this, one strategy stands out: contactless tech. Tools like menu QR codes—especially those provided by QR Code KIT—are helping restaurants simplify operations, reduce risk, and create safer dining experiences. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.
Staying healthy in restaurants: Flu prevention, hygiene, and responsibility
Running a restaurant means managing risks daily—especially during flu season. From handling food to interacting with customers in public spaces, restaurant staff face constant exposure to germs. That’s why employee health isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a business priority.
The flu virus can spread easily through door handles, menus, or even conversations. According to the CDC, sick employees should stay home at the first sign of symptoms like fever, sore throat, or cough. Allowing a sick worker to stay on the floor puts both customers and coworkers at risk, potentially contributing to the spread of illness and even foodborne illness.
The golden rule? Avoid contact when possible and always follow proper hand hygiene. Staff should wash their hands frequently, avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth, and use hand sanitizer after handling food or touching high-touch surfaces.
Routine cleaning of tables, restrooms, and service areas is equally essential—especially during peak flu season. A healthy environment not only keeps the flu at bay but also builds customer trust and loyalty.
As the National Restaurant Association and CDC recommend, promoting the flu shot at work or partnering with local pharmacies to offer flu vaccines can help strengthen your team’s immune system and reduce the risk of flu viruses disrupting your business.
For restaurants, investing in workplace safety isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting your people, your customers, and your bottom line.
QR Code KIT: Pioneering digital menu solutions
QR Code KIT has been at the forefront of this digital revolution since 2020 when we launched free menu QRs at the onset of the pandemic.
Our advanced and reliable solution provides not just menu access but also a range of other QR code types that could benefit restaurant owners, such as QR codes for videos, QR codes for collecting feedback, and QR codes for social media pages, further enhancing customer engagement and business operations.
The role of QR menus in adapting to the “new normal”
Navigating flu season in a post-pandemic world isn’t easy—especially for restaurants. That’s why menu QR codes have gone from a passing trend to an everyday essential.
QR menus have redefined how we dine, offering more than just a digital menu. They support restaurant safety, streamline operations, and help with disease control during flu outbreaks and beyond.
Health prioritization: In a time when hygiene still matters deeply, QR menus help cut down on shared surfaces. Instead of flipping through a physical menu—one of the most touched items in any restaurant—diners simply scan a QR code with their phone. This small action helps reduce the spread of the flu virus and supports the guidelines set by the National Restaurant Association.
Operational efficiencies and cost reductions:
Menu QR codes do more than modernize the dining room—they streamline operations behind the scenes. No more printing and reprinting menus every time there’s a price change or a seasonal dish runs out. With a few clicks, restaurants can update digital menus instantly. The result? Lower printing costs, less waste, and more flexibility—especially valuable during times of economic uncertainty.
Enhanced customer experience:
QR menus also speed things up. Instead of waiting for someone to drop off a menu, guests scan and start browsing right away. Faster ordering means shorter wait times and better table turnover—great news for both diners and restaurant staff during busy hours.
Data collection and analytics:
Here’s where digital menus really shine. Every scan can offer insight. Restaurant owners can see which dishes get the most views, track trends, and gather feedback in real time. That kind of data helps sharpen menu decisions and fine-tune marketing efforts.
Facilitating contactless payments:
Many QR menu systems go beyond browsing. They let customers order and pay—start to finish—from their phones. This contactless flow doesn’t just improve convenience; it adds another layer of safety during flu season and beyond.
Future-proofing the hospitality sector with digital solutions
The pandemic didn’t just disrupt the restaurant industry—it fast-tracked its digital transformation. Today, menu QR codes are just one part of a bigger shift, alongside online delivery platforms, mobile payments, and fully digital ordering systems.
But these tools aren’t just temporary fixes. They’re long-term investments that help restaurants stay agile, efficient, and connected in an increasingly digital world. In short, they’re how the restaurant industry builds resilience for whatever comes next.
Balancing safety with customer satisfaction
Flu season and lingering COVID-19 concerns keep safety front and center—but that doesn’t mean sacrificing experience.
QR menus strike that balance. They help restaurants maintain strict hygiene in public spaces and ensure restaurant safety, while still delivering the kind of seamless, modern service today’s diners expect. It’s a win for both sides of the table.
Menu QRs as a beacon of innovation in challenging times
The rise of QR menus is more than a tech upgrade—it’s a clear signal of the restaurant industry’s drive to innovate, stay safe, and keep serving through uncertainty.
Looking ahead, tools like menu QRs will remain central to how we dine—shaping safer, smarter, and more flexible food experiences. It’s proof of the industry’s resilience and its readiness to adapt.
Get ahead of the flu season—
Try our powerful menu QR system and open a free account today. Your customers—and your team—will thank you.
