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