Self-Assessment & Testing
Self Assessment
Self-assessment can help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses by limiting the exposure of others to symptomatic personnel. Each day prior to work staff should assess themselves for common symptoms associated with respiratory virus infections. According to the most recent CDC Guidance these symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others. Other symptoms can include sore throat, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, muscle or body aches, diarrhea, and nausea or vomiting. If staff have any new symptoms of a respiratory illness, and they are not explained by another cause (e.g., seasonal allergies), they should stay home. Personnel that stay home should speak to their supervisor about leave or telework options.
If you experience severe symptoms, you should immediately contact your healthcare provider, go to the Emergency Room, or call 911.
Testing
Tests may be available in the community for some viral respiratory infections. There are over-the-counter tests available for some viruses, such as COVID-19. Staff should contact their primary healthcare provider for information on available testing.
Staff with direct patient contact must contact the NIH Occupational Medical Service (OMS) at 301-496-4411 for guidance on testing. OMS will determine if testing is recommended for patient care staff.
Regardless of test results or vaccination status, any symptomatic personnel must not report to work and should consult their personal healthcare provider.
Testing for healthcare personnel that get sick at work may be available, based on risk assessment. Personnel that are symptomatic should call OMS at 301-496-4411 for additional guidance.
Reporting Viral Respiratory Infections
Reporting of respiratory viral infections is only mandatory in two circumstances.
First, any staff with direct patient contact should notify OMS of their diagnosis. OMS will collect information that assists in identifying if any at-risk patients or healthcare personnel were also impacted. This information can be critical in halting the spread of respiratory infections in areas with immuno-compromised patients.
Secondly, staff should notify OMS if they believe that they were infected at the workplace. OMS will collect information to determine if the illness is work-related. This information will be helpful in meeting OSHA recordkeeping requirements, as well as identifying clusters of workplace transmission.
It is critical that personnel with direct patient contact report their positive test result to OMS. This will allow the team of medical providers at OMS to determine if patient health or the health of colleagues is at risk. Reporting can help to stop the spread of infections to others.
