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Master of Public Health

Work Attendance with Acute Respiratory Illness Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic, United States, 2018-2022

AUTHORS

Ahmed F , Nowalk MP , Zimmerman RK , Bear T , Grijalva CG , Talbot HK , Florea A , Tartof SY , Gaglani M , Smith M , McLean HQ , King JP , Martin ET , Monto AS , Phillips CH , Wernli KJ , Flannery B , Chung JR , Uzicanin A , . Emerging infectious diseases. 2023 11 2; 29(12).

ABSTRACT

Both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus can be transmitted by asymptomatic, presymptomatic, or symptomatic infected persons. We assessed effects on work attendance while ill before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States by analyzing data collected prospectively from persons with acute respiratory illnesses enrolled in a multistate study during 2018-2022. Persons with previous hybrid work experience were significantly less likely to work onsite on the day before through the first 3 days of illness than those without that experience, an effect more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic than during prepandemic influenza seasons. Persons with influenza or COVID-19 were significantly less likely to work onsite than persons with other acute respiratory illnesses. Among persons with positive COVID-19 test results available by the second or third day of illness, few worked onsite. Hybrid and remote work policies might reduce workplace exposures and help control spread of respiratory viruses.

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