Viral Respiratory Illness Guidance: COVID-19 & Flu
Healthcare Providers – Please Note:
If you are a healthcare provider and regularly provide in-person patient care, you may return to work:
- Symptomatic Staff:
- Must isolate and may return to work after 3 days have passed since symptom onset AND:
- At least 24 hours fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medications.
- Improvement in respiratory symptoms and feel well enough to work.
- Masking required through Day 7 (With Day 0 being the first day of symptoms)
- Must isolate and may return to work after 3 days have passed since symptom onset AND:
- Asymptomatic Exposure:
- Staff may continue working with masking and symptom monitoring for 5 days after exposure, unless symptoms develop.
- Masking:
- Universal masking is encouraged during periods of high community transmission or outbreaks within facilities.
- Vaccination Policy:
- For COVID-19 and Flu vaccination policy, please click the link: HERE
If you are a HCP at a facility outside of BU, please check with your facility for return-to-work guidelines. For more information, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-public-health-guidance-and-directives#health-care-professionals-
General Population Guidance:
If you are not a healthcare provider:
- If you test positive, you should stay home to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses and follow Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines.
- You may return to work:
- When you have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicines, AND your other symptoms are improving, you can resume normal activities with precautions.
- For at least the 5 days after you resume normal activities, you should wear a mask around others, especially when you are in crowded indoor spaces. You should continue to wash your hands with soap and water and avoid spending time with people who are at increased risk for severe disease.