Influenza 2009-2010 - FAQ for Employees
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Frequently Asked Questions
- I think I may have the H1N1 flu (commonly known as swine flu). What should I do?
- How can I find out my paid time off balance (sick, vacation and personal days)?
- If I have exhausted all available sick time, can I use vacation or personal days for the flu?
- What if I have no more available paid time off (sick, vacation and personal days)?
- Will my employee benefits get interrupted if I exhaust all of my paid time off?
- Will I be placed on a “Leave of Absence” because I am out sick with the flu?
- Do I need to provide a medical note for the period I am out sick?
- If one of my family members has flu-like symptoms, may I use my paid time off to provide care?
- If a family member is sick with the flu and I am not sick, can I come to work?
For the schedule of seasonal flu vaccination clinics on campus, visit http://www.yale.edu/yuhs/
news/seasonalflu_clinics.html.
I think I may have the H1N1 flu (commonly known as swine flu). What should I do?
The University asks that everyone who gets the flu or develops flu-like symptoms to stay home to prevent further spread of the disease on campus. Coming to work when you have the flu puts your health and the health of those around you at risk. Based on CDC guidelines, we ask that if you have the flu, stay home until 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100F, 37.8C) without using fever reducing medication.
Please note: this guidance does not apply to health care settings where the exclusion period should be continued for seven days from symptom onset or until the resolution of symptoms, whichever is longer; see http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
guidelines_infection_control.htm for updates about the health care setting.
Whether you have the flu or are caring for a family member with the flu, notify your supervisor or department head. Faculty members should report their absence to their business manager.
How can I find out my paid time off balance (sick, vacation and personal days)?
If you are a Managerial and Professional employee, ask your supervisor or the individual who monitors time and attendance records in your department. If you are a Clerical and Technical or Service and Maintenance employee, you can find this information on your last payroll stub or by contacting your supervisor.
If I have exhausted all available sick time, can I use vacation or personal days for the flu?
Yes, you may use personal and/or vacation days to cover your absence due to the flu.
What if I have no more available paid time off (sick, vacation and personal days)?
After you have exhausted your paid time off, you will be unpaid until you are able to return to work.
Will my employee benefits get interrupted if I exhaust all of my paid time off?
Yale will continue to pay its portion of your benefits. However, if you make a contribution for benefits and you are in an unpaid status, you will need to make arrangements with the Benefits Office to continue your payments.
Will I be placed on a “Leave of Absence” because I am out sick with the flu?
A leave of absence might be recommended in some situations. Please consult with your HR Generalist for guidance.
Do I need to provide a medical note for the period I am out sick?
A medical note is not required if you are absent due to the flu or flu-like symptoms. The University may request a provider’s note, consistent with the contractual requirements and policy where the legitimacy of the absence is questioned. When you notify your supervisor that you will be out due to flu-related reasons, you should try to give some indication when you will return. If a leave of absence is recommended, a medical note will be required in order to approve the leave and as well as an indication of when you will return to work. For members of Local 34 and 35, consult your Union representative for details.
If one of my family members has flu-like symptoms, may I use my paid time off to provide care?
Yes, you may use your sick time to care for a sick family member. For further information on the use of sick time, including the definition of eligible family members, visit the Human Resources website: http://www.yale.edu/hronline/PersPracWeb/305.html and consult the expanded sick leave policy.
If a family member is sick with the flu and I am not sick, can I come to work?
Yes, you can come to work. However, monitor your health closely and if you develop symptoms of the flu, stay home until you have been without fever for 24 hours without using fever reducing medication.
For further information on the medical leave, contact your HR Generalist. For a directory of HR Generalists, visit http://www.yale.edu/hronline/
hrgeneralist/specialists.html.
