What Should I do if I become Ill with Flu-Like Symptoms? 

To assist in the prevention of spread of potential communicable infections between co-workers and our patients, FHP Occupational Health recommends the following guidelines for employees, and leaders with flu-like symptoms.

Flu-Like Symptoms: 

• Fever ≥ 100.0
• Cough
• Sinus Congestion, runny nose
• Weakness, body aches
• Headache
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Acute Diarrhea
• Employees who develop a fever and/or respiratory and gastrointestinal illness at work should be:
• Instructed not to report to work or if at work, to promptly notify their supervisor.
• Please call or report to FHP Occupational Health for additional screening guidelines for work ability purposes. Occupational Health Nurses cannot medically diagnosis an illness.
• Screening of symptoms and based upon the symptoms present, Occupational Health may require the employee to be held out of work until symptoms free for 24 hours without medications to control fever, vomiting, or diarrhea or combination of symptoms related to influenza.
• Occupational Health screening does not replace the need for medical evaluation and/or treatment. Please seek medical care if needed.

Diagnosed with Influenza?

• Mandatory 7 days off from onset of symptoms. Must be screened by Occupational Health prior to returning to work. CDC sites that people infected with influenza can “shed” the flu virus up to 7 days.

• Tamiflu does not stop the spread of the virus. Tamiflu is used to alleviate symptoms so you are not so miserable with the flu. Tamiflu is not an antibiotic.

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• If you develop severe symptoms, including a fever of 103 F degrees or higher, please contact your primary care provider or urgent care for evaluation.
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting, and/or diarrhea
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever or worse cough

Please remember the importance of hand hygiene practices to prevent the spread of illnesses.
We encourage staff to wear a mask until symptoms have resolved.