GMP Return to Work&

Infectious Conditions(2-GEN-058)

Debbie Daniel, RN BSN COHN-S

Impact to Business

As an example, between August 18 and December 25, 1987, 116 employees at the three futures exchanges in Chicago developed clinically diagnosed mumps. Three cases subsequently occurred in household contacts of affected exchange employees.

Twenty-one persons developed complications; nine were hospitalized.

Impact to Business1. The direct medical costs were over $56,000, with the total work loss probably in excess of 700 days.

2. The potential tort liability was significant: the mumps virus induced premature labor in a pregnant employee. Fortunately, the labor was arrested, preventing a premature birth with the attendant liability for possible brain injury to the infant. The report of this epidemic does not discuss whether any of the infected men were rendered sterile.

Symptoms of Infectious Diseases

• Cough – spread by droplets• Runny nose and/or congestion – spread by

mucus• Difficult or noisy breathing• Vomiting, nausea, or stomachache – spread by

dirty hands• Diarrhea – spread by dirty hands• Rash• ItchingSOP: 8.3 & 8.4, 9.6 & 9.9 & 9.10

Symptoms of Infectious Diseases

• Drainage or irritation of eye or other infected body part

• Fever – disposable thermometers in First Aid rooms in both buildings.

• Aches or pains: Sore throat, Earache, Headache, Body ache

• Mouth sores• Swollen glands

SOP: 8.3 & 8.4, 9.6 & 9.9 & 9.10

How Far Do Germs Fly?

Keep 6 feet or more away from a coughing or sneezing co-worker or family member

Influenza•Contagious for 1 day prior to symptoms and up to 5 days after illness begins•Spread by respiratory droplets and direct contact•Prevent by cleaning surfaces and keep at least a 6 foot distance•Anti-influenza medications can prevent onset of illness after exposure or shorten length of illness

Ringworm

•Acquired by direct or indirect contact with lesions or pets•Contagious as long as lesions are present•Not contagious 24 hours after treatment

Ringworm Pictures

Staphylococcal “staph” skin infections

Impetigo

Certain Types of Acne

Staphylococcal “staph” skin infections

Folliculitis

Stye

MRSA or Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus Aureus

•Does not respond to usual antibiotics previously used to treat staphylococcus

•Certain antibiotics continue to be effective

•Spread by direct contact•Contagious until 24 hours after treatment started. •Pus is contagious—keep covered until lesions dry

MRSA Pictures

MRSA can lead to Cellulitis

Conjunctivitis/Pink Eye

•Highly contagious—up to 75% of those exposed will get it

•Acquired through direct and indirect contact

•Treatment

•Contagious until 24 hours after treatment starts

Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye Pictures

Varicella (chickenpox)

• Acquired through direct and indirect contact and respiratory droplets• Contagious 1-2 days prior to rash then 6 days after rash or until lesions crusted

Chickenpox Picture

Shingles

•Shingles is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, a type of herpes virus that causes chickenpox. •Keep shingles rash covered in workplace to prevent transmission

Strep Throat or Pharyngitis•Need to treat with antibiotics to prevent Rheumatic Fever

•Acquired through direct contact with …mucus

•You are contagious while you still have symptoms. Most people stop being contagious 24 hours after they start antibiotics. If you don't take antibiotics, you may be contagious for 2 to 3 weeks, even if your symptoms go away.

Strep Throat or Pharyngitis Pictures

Common Cold•Sore throat, runny nose, sneezing

•Acquired through direct and indirect contact (dirty tissues) and inhalation of respiratory droplets (Remember 5 ft!)

•Contagious for 24 hours before symptoms appear to 5 days after onset

•No need for isolation

Scabies

• Infestation, not infection.• The most common symptoms are:

Intense itching, especially at nightA pimple-like rashScales or blistersSores caused by scratching

Scabies•In its early stages, scabies may be mistaken for other skin conditions because the rash looks similar. This image compares acne, mosquito bites, and scabies.

ScabiesWhat sets scabies apart is the relentless itch. Itching is usually most severe in children and the elderly. The female burrows under the skin at night to lay her eggs. On these pictures you can see an entrance and exit point.

Basic Infection Control Rules• No Vomiting or Diarrhea for 24 hours• Fever less than 100 degrees for 24 hours

(without taking anything to artificially lower it-aspirin, Tylenol©, ibuprofen, or Aleve©)

• Cough and Secretions must be controlled (Runny nose and watery eyes)

SOP: 9.10

Company Contact Interaction

RTW Note Absences Sick at Work GMP Absences

•Contractor sought medical treatment for possible infectious illness.•Any type of Surgery, whether or not any work was missed.

Company may contact Nurse

•No matter how many days off: current signs & symptoms (s/s).•Off for any infectious illness or disease.

Company may contact Nurse

•Contractor to notify on-site contact & call Company Supervisor before going home for possible infectious illness.•Contractor not feeling well but no s/s or OTC medication may take care of problem – when nurse onsite.

1. Blistered and/or peeling sunburn

2. Open sores or wounds3. Influenza or Upper

respiratory infection4. Gastrointestinal

infections (stomach flu)

5. Casts/Braces6. Eye infections7. Any Infectious

illnesses or disease8. Must get PRIOR

clearance to work in A&B areas.

SOP: 9.12 & 9.11 SOP: 9.9 & 8.5 SOP: 8.4 & 8.5SOP: 6.1 & 6.2, 8.3 & 8.4,

8.5 & 9.6

Why? To Protect Our Patientsand Our Families & Co-Workers