The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released updated guidance for healthcare personnel exposed to or infected with common respiratory viruses, establishing a more consistent and streamlined approach to return-to-work decisions. The guidance applies to illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza, RSV, rhinovirus and other common viral respiratory infections.

Under the new guidance, healthcare personnel may return to work after at least three days if they are fever-free for 24 hours, symptoms are improving and they feel well enough to work. 

The updated guidance also changes expectations for healthcare workers with known exposures. Asymptomatic personnel no longer need to be routinely excluded from work following exposure to a respiratory virus. Instead, they should wear source control through at least day five after exposure and monitor for symptoms. Routine serial testing after exposure is no longer recommended. 

The CDC notes that additional considerations may be necessary for healthcare personnel who are moderately to severely immunocompromised or who experienced severe illness, and organizations should continue to consult occupational health and infection prevention experts when evaluating individual cases. 

The changes are expected to reduce staffing disruptions during respiratory virus season, while maintaining high infection prevention standards. Hospitals should review employee health and return-to-work policies to ensure alignment with the updated recommendations.  

The MHA will continue monitoring federal infection prevention and workforce policies. Members with questions should contact Kelsey Ostergren at the MHA. 

Phone: (517) 323-3443
Fax: (517) 323-0946

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