From: Carroll, Michael

To: Carlson, Paul; Oligmueller, Gerry; Anderson, Rodney; Wilson, Roger; Decker, Brenda; Wood, William; Sulek, Steve; Archuleta, Amy; McCrory, Mike; Peterson, Doni; Hotovy, Steve; Ripley, Bob; Tonjes, Mark; Fankhauser, Paula

Cc: Castillo, Carlos; Peterson, Doni

Sent: Monday, September 14, 2009 10:12 AM

Subject: Influenza HR Policies

In May of this year, we issued a memo which included a number of FAQ’s to provide state agencies with guidance to handle situations where employees may have been exposed to H1N1, or had a confirmed case of H1N1.  In collaboration with Dr. Joann Schaefer, Nebraska’s Chief Medical Officer, we are providing updated FAQ’s to address the current situation.  The previously posted FAQ’s (dated May 1, 2009, and updated May 5, 2009) should no longer be used for guidance. 

1)  Should employees who have been exposed to the H1N1 virus stay home from work?

Exposed employees should continue working.  At this time, there is no need to for exposed employees to stay home.  These employees should monitor themselves closely for signs of illness (fever, cough, sore throat), and remove themselves from the workplace if they are exhibiting symptoms.

2) Should employees who have influenza symptoms be allowed to work?

Employees who are exhibiting influenza symptoms should stay home and not come to work for at least 24 hours after their fever has resolved, free from use of fever reducing medications and fever free for 24 hours. 

3) Should any special considerations be taken by agencies in regard to staff that work in 24/7 health care facilities (such as the Veteran’s Homes, Regional Centers, BSDC) or correctional facilities?

Exposed employees of these facilities should keep working if they are not exhibiting symptoms.  If a healthcare employee who provides direct care to others develops a febrile respiratory illness (fever with cough or sore throat), they should be excluded from work for 7 calendar days, or until symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer.  This recommendation only applies to healthcare workers who provide direct care to others, and not other state employees.   

Healthcare employees who are at high risk for medical complications (those pregnant and those with underlying medical conditions) are encouraged to take extra precautions if active outbreaks in facilities occur.  In addition, they should consult with their health care provider now for a plan of use of anti-viral medication early on, should they become ill.  Dr. Schaefer is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide guidance should the situation change.

4) Can an agency require a doctor’s note from employees who report they are ill with influenza or influenza-like symptoms?

According to Dr. Schaefer, not all persons with influenza or influenza like symptoms require medical attention, nor need to be treated.  Also, not every person that goes to a doctor will be tested to confirm the H1N1 virus.  Agencies are encouraged to use common sense to determine whether or not a doctor’s note is necessary, and to consider temporarily amending their HR policies requiring a doctor’s note. 

5) Who is included in a high risk category recommended for vaccination?

High risk categories include pregnant women; household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age; healthcare and emergency medical services personnel; all people aged 6 months through 24 years of age; and, persons aged 25-64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza. 

Employees in high risk groups are encouraged to get vaccinated once the vaccine is available. 

6) What kind of leave is available for employees who are absent due to H1N1, or because their child has H1N1?

Leave should be granted in the same manner as if it were any other medically related illness. 

7) What else do I need to know about this year’s influenza season?

Agencies are encouraged to view DHHS’s website regarding additional influenza information, which can be found at: http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/influenza/.

State Personnel will continue to work with Dr. Schaefer to stay current on this year’s influenza season.  If needed, we will continue to provide updates of HR policies.