Acute respiratory illness (ARI) in heathcare workers

Do the basics well - how to manage if you have respiratory illness. 

The latest guidance for health care workers who have respiratory illness published by Te Whatu Ora continue to encourage us to stay home if we are potentially infectious, to have some specific advice around COVID-19, and, the main message, "do the basics well".  

Prevent infection 

• Wash your hands regularly. 
• Wear an appropriate mask if you are working with people with respiratory symptoms. 
• Get vaccinated. 

Influenza and other respiratory infections  

• Stay home if unwell. 
• Return to work after day five.
• Get tested for COVID-19 and follow the specific advice if positive. 

COVID-19 

• The general advice if you have Covid is to self-isolate for five days.
• If you are able to use a RAT and it is negative on day three and day four, you could return to work on day four. 
• If you are still testing positive on day eight you can return to work if you are feeling well enough.