Survey Finds 4 in 10 Healthcare Professionals Work While Sick

A new study published in Nov 2017 Amer J Infect Control and highlighted by Infection Control Today found 41% of HCW continue to work while experiencing influenza-like symptoms.  

Pharmacists and Physicians had highest % (see below), and Long-term care workers had lowest (29%).

With higher numbers of older patients and immunocompromised patients (and risk to colleagues), the authors ask that healthcare facilities encourage staff to stay home while ill .

Reasons for continuing to work were:

• Could still perform job
• Not really “sick enough” to stay home
• Not really contagious
• Professional obligation to assist co-workers
• Difficulty finding replacement