Human Resources FAQ’s

What should I do if I believe I have one or more of the symptoms?

If you are not feeling well and exhibit one or more of the symptoms, employees are encouraged to consult their health care physician immediately and stay home until you are feeling better!  Influenza is contagious, and the H1N1 virus is no different.  We always encourage employees to exercise safe and considerate practices in the workplace that include removing oneself when you know or believe that you may be at risk of spreading infectious germs or viruses to your co-workers.

Will leave be granted if I need to be out sick or if I am caring for a family member that is sick?

The USF System has a sick leave policy in place for all individuals in benefit-earning positions.  If you are out ill, you may use accrued sick, compensatory leave, or annual leave to keep you in a paid status.  If you are a member of the Sick Leave Pool, you may also qualify for leave time under the guidelines that govern the usage of time in that Program.

Will I receive paid sick leave if I am out of work because I have the H1N1 virus influenza, have been exposed to a family member with influenza, or I am caring for a family member with influenza?

Again, USF System policies and regulations on Leave (sick and annual) will apply.  The regulations specifically state that an employee will be covered by accrued sick leave for purposes of the employee’s own personal illness, injury, exposure to a contagious disease, disability where the employee is unable to perform assigned duties, or for appointments with health care providers.  In addition, sick leave may be used for the illness, injury, or appointment with health care providers of a family member.  If you have any questions on current leave balances, you may verify your personal balances through GEMS Self Service or consult with your departmental Leave Coordinator.

I am a parent.  Will I be allowed time off from work to care for a sick child, or to care for a child or children who have been sent home from school as a precautionary measure or due to a full or partial school closing?

We understand that employees will be called upon to manage personal obligations.  In those cases, employees will be encouraged to utilize accrued sick, vacation, or compensatory leave time in the event that they have an affected child who is either personally ill or whose school has been shut down to help the prevention of the spread of infection.

Will I be required to provide proof of illness (H1N1)?

If you are directly affected by the H1N1 virus influenza, you should be in contact with your personal physician’s office.  Based on volume, your physician’s office may schedule an appointment or may choose to simply consult with you via telephone.  If you do visit your physician’s office and they issue a note to stay out of or return to the workplace, then that note should be submitted to your immediate supervisor.  This process is intended to protect you and your co-workers, ensuring that it is safe for you to return to the workplace.  All medical documentation is stored in a confidential file in the Human Resources Office. 

I’ve heard that I shouldn’t travel right now.  What’s the University’s position on this?

All University-related travel should be carefully examined.  In accordance with CDC guidelines, we strongly encourage employees who have personal travel plans, especially outside of the Country, to consider those plans in light of the impact of the H1N1 virus influenza.  As with any other potential threat to overall safety, each employee must make some personal decisions regarding his/her own health situation.

Will the University close down?

The University has an Emergency Management Team that very carefully watches any situation that could potentially impact the USF community including our students, faculty, and staff.  We will continue to monitor the H1N1 virus very closely and will review new information as it becomes available to determine an impact on our operations.  If there is a closure of any USF facilities (either full or partial closing) or cancellation of University-related activities or events, information will be available on the main USF website located at http://www.usf.edu.  Administrative leave will be provided for emergency closing of facilities as provided in USF’s leave regulations.

Can I be sent home if I show symptoms of influenza?

Our desire is to maintain a healthy work environment for all of our employees.  In the event that you are exhibiting flu-like symptoms, especially if you are running a fever with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher, your supervisor may ask that you leave the workplace.  Prior to making this determination, supervisors are encouraged to consult with HR in such situations.  The bottom line is if you are not feeling well, STAY HOME!  Use common sense when determining whether or not you are fit for work if you exhibit any of the stated symptoms, and take any appropriate precautionary steps to protect yourself, your family members, and your co-workers.

What if I just want to talk to someone about this.  Who can I call?

We have assembled a website with a number of resources available to educate and guide the general public on the H1N1 virus.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is continually monitoring the situation and provides regular updates on their website (located at http://www.cdc.gov/media/transcripts/2009/t090428.htm ).  In addition, Human Resources is available to assist you by answering any questions that you may have regarding absences, physician’s statements, the impact of FMLA, or other general employment-related questions.  If you have questions regarding your personal health or that of an immediate family member, please consult your personal health care physician.