When to Go to Work and When to Stay Home: Guidance for Home Health Aides and Caregivers

Dear Caregivers,

The health and safety of both our clients and our team members is our top priority. With flu season upon us and the continued presence of COVID-19, it is essential to know when it is safe to go to work and when to stay home. The following guidelines, based on the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), will help protect you, your clients, and the community.

Stay Home If You Have Symptoms

If you experience any of the following flu-like or COVID-like symptoms, it’s important to stay home and notify your supervisor as soon as possible:

Fever (100.4°F or higher)
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Body aches or muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
New loss of taste or smell (specifically for COVID-19)

Please monitor your symptoms closely and consult your healthcare provider if they worsen.

When You Can Return to Work

The guidelines for returning to work depend on the illness you’re experiencing:

For the Flu:
- You may return to work 24 hours after your fever has subsided without the use of fever-reducing medications.
- You should feel well enough to perform your job duties without putting yourself or your clients at risk.
For COVID-19:
- If you test positive for COVID-19, follow your healthcare provider’s advice and notify the company immediately.
- You may return to work after meeting all the following criteria:
  - At least 5 days have passed since your symptoms began (or since your positive test if asymptomatic).
  - Your symptoms have improved (excluding loss of taste or smell).
  - You have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
  - You continue to wear a mask for 10 full days from the onset of symptoms or positive test while around others.

Testing and Exposure Guidelines

If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, please notify your supervisor and monitor for symptoms. It is recommended to get tested 5 days after exposure and continue to wear a mask around others during this period.
If you test positive, follow the isolation guidelines mentioned above.

Protecting Yourself and Your Clients

To minimize the risk of spreading infections:

Wear a mask during all client interactions, especially if you are caring for vulnerable individuals.
Practice regular hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer.
Follow all infection control protocols outlined by the company, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary.

Stay Informed

We encourage you to stay up-to-date on the latest guidance from health authorities:

We appreciate your dedication to keeping our clients safe and healthy. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your supervisor or the office. Thank you for your continued professionalism and care.