FAQs: Information for Penn Staff

If you develop influenza-like illness, you should stay home from work until you are fever free for more than 24 hours. If you wish to seek medical treatment or have medical questions, you should contact your healthcare provider. You should contact your supervisor to inform him or her that you will not be coming to work.

Consider what steps you can take now to limit the disruption if you develop influenza-like illness.

• Talk to your supervisor and colleagues about ways to minimize the disruption your absence would cause and explore with your supervisor the possibility of cross-training with co-workers so that vital functions can continue in your absence.

• Review Sick Leave, Paid Time Off, and Family and Medical Leave policies and your sick leave and other paid time off balances.

• Purchase flu prevention supplies such as alcohol-based hand sanitizers, tissues, disinfectants, and disposable wipes through established procedures for obtaining office supplies. Frequently clean high touch surfaces such as desks, door knobs, keyboards, and counters.

• Develop plans with your family and household members to address household matters if you or they develop influenza-like illness and have to remain at home.

In addition to the steps above, supervisors should:

• Develop plans to manage your workplace, including cross-training of staff, so that vital office functions can continue if you or your staff become ill.

• Review the sick leave and other paid time off balances for your staff.

• Review official flu information and CDC guidance about the workplace and discuss with your employees.

If you have questions about Human Resources policies or workplace issues, contact Staff and Labor Relations in the Division of Human Resources (215-898-6093) or your school/center Human Resources representative.

Q: What should I do if an employee at work has influenza-like illness?
A: If a staff member at work has influenza-life symptoms, you should send the staff member home. Penn employees who become ill should contact their health care provider by telephone about medical concerns or questions.

Q: Should I inform employees if I know they have been exposed to someone with influenza-like symptoms?

A: You should inform employees of their exposure if you know they have come in contact with someone who has influenza-like illness in the workplace, but you must respect the privacy of the sick individual and not share confidential information about any employee’s medical condition. Encourage your staff who have been exposed to monitor themselves for influenza-like symptoms and to speak with their health care provider about any medical concerns.

Q: Should I come to work if I have influenza-like illness?

A: If you have flu symptoms you should stay home from work for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. If you wish to seek medical treatment or have medical questions, you should contact your healthcare provider by telephone. You should contact your supervisor to inform him or her that you will not be coming to work.

Q: What is Penn's sick leave policy and are there special considerations due to influenza outbreaks?

A: Penn’s sick leave policy is designed to provide position and salary continuation in the event of illness or injury. Employees are advised to refer to the full policy at: http://www.hr.upenn.edu/Policy/Sickleave.aspx.

At this time, there are no additional allowances to the sick leave policy related to influenza.

Q: I am a supervisor. What should I do if an employee at work has influenza-like illness?

A: If a staff member at work has influenza-life symptoms, you should send the staff member home. Penn employees who become ill should contact their health care provider by telephone about medical concerns or questions.

Q: I am a supervisor. Should I inform employees if I know they have been exposed to someone with influenza-like symptoms?

A: You should inform employees of their exposure if you know they have come in contact with someone who has influenza-like illness in the workplace, but you must respect the privacy of the sick individual and not share confidential information about any employee’s medical condition. Encourage your staff who have been exposed to monitor themselves for influenza-like symptoms and to speak with their health care provider about any medical concerns.

Inquiries about these questions should be directed to
fluplan@pobox.upenn.edu

Q: What should I do if I need to care for a family member who has influenza-like illness?
A: Penn’s Sick Leave Policies allow employees to use up to three (3) days of sick leave per fiscal year for illness of a member of your household. If you need to take additional time off from work to care for sick family members, you can request to use Paid Time Off. For details on Penn’s time off policies, visit the Human Resources website at: http://www.hr.upenn.edu/Policy/Timeoff.aspx.

You may also want to consider a temporary flexible work arrangement so that you can work from home while caring for your family member. You can find guidance on setting up a successful flexible work arrangement at: http://www.hr.upenn.edu/Quality/Worklife/FlexOptions/Default.aspx.

Q: What should I do if I develop influenza-like illness while at work?
A: If you have influenza-life symptoms while at work, you should go home.  If you wish to seek medical treatment or have medical questions, you should contact your own healthcare provider. Students should contact Student Health Service at 215-746-3535. Penn employees should contact their personal health care provider.