​What to Do if You are Sick or Test Positive

Risk-based work restriction (e.g. removal from onsite work) recommendations are complex and based on many factors including, but not limited to, your work location and duties, the circumstances of exposure to a person with a respiratory virus, vaccination history, underlying health conditions that could increase the chance of infecting others, and more. The guidance below is general, and it is possible that based on these factors, you may be restricted from performing onsite work for extended periods of time due to your specific situation. This guidance applies to all positive tests for respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 (including at-home antigen tests), influenza, and RSV.

In general, for non-healthcare personnel, individuals who are sick with or tested positive for respiratory viruses and have had symptoms may return to working onsite once they meet two criteria: 1) they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, and 2) their symptoms are improving. After returning to the physical workplace staff should take additional precautions such as wearing a well fitted ASTM 3502 compliant surgical mask or KN95, physical distancing (maintaining 6 feet of more distancing from others), and (where possible) testing when you will be around other people indoors. Please be aware that these CDC recommendations may change. Staff are encouraged to review the most current requirements at https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html. 

Personnel with direct patient contact may have more stringent return-to-work requirements and will be directed by OMS.

Leave for Personnel that are Sick or Test Positive

Employees isolated after a positive respiratory virus diagnosis may request sick leave if they are unable to telework. Employees may also request accrued annual leave or other forms of paid or unpaid leave.

Work-Related Respiratory Virus Cases

If an employee becomes ill with a respiratory virus infection and believes they were exposed while at an NIH facility they should report to OMS within 24 hours. Staff can report their illness by calling 301-496-4411 if they are still symptomatic. OMS will collect information to determine if other staff need to be informed that they were exposed or if additional precautions are necessary to prevent further spread of the virus. Additionally OMS will determine if the illness is considered a recordable case under the OSHA Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illness standard (29 CFR 1904). This information is a confidential medical record. However, personnel may request their record by contacting the OMS. 

Staff should call OMS at 301-496-4411, instead of reporting in-person, if they are symptomatic.

Treatment Options

If an employee becomes ill with a respiratory virus there may be treatment options available to reduce the duration and severity of the illness.  The CDC provides valuable information on treatments for flu and for COVID-19. Personnel are advised to familiarize themselves with the treatment options and consult with their primary care provider.