CDC Workplace Infection Safety and Prevention Guidelines 135

airborne droplets

A particle of water and other matter that is produced by the human body when a person breathes, talks, sneezes, coughs, or vomits. Airborne droplets may contain and spread respiratory viruses.

antiviral medications

A medicine that treats a virus and may reduce the severity or length of a viral illness. Antiviral medications usually require approval from a physician.

asthma

A chronic respiratory condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Individuals with asthma may be more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses.

asymptomatic

Showing no symptoms of disease. Asymptomatic people often do not know they have an illness since they have no indication that they are ill.

at-risk populations

A group of individuals who are more susceptible to certain health conditions due to various factors. In the context of respiratory illnesses, at-risk populations may include the elderly, those with chronic conditions, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

boosters

An additional dose of a vaccine that creates an improved immune response. A booster may be recommended for someone who was previously vaccinated, especially if new variants of a virus are circulating.

CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An agency that develops and applies disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education policies. The CDC is part of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CDC. An agency that develops and applies disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education policies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is part of the Department of Health and Human Services.

close contact

Being less than six feet away from an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period. Close contact is the main way that respiratory viruses are transmitted.

contagious

Able to be spread through direct or indirect contact. Contagious respiratory viruses pass between people through droplets in the air or on contaminated surfaces.

contaminated

Polluted with a noxious substance. Surfaces contaminated with a respiratory virus can spread the virus to people who touch them.

coronaviruses

Viruses that cause respiratory illness in humans. While mild cases of coronavirus can cause the common cold, more lethal forms of the virus can cause severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

COVID-19

Coronavirus Disease 2019. A respiratory illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Coronavirus Disease 2019 was discovered in China in late 2019 and caused the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a global pandemic in March 2020.

cross-training

The practice of training employees on more than one job role or skill. Cross-training allows employees to fill in for absent coworkers, so work can still be completed.

diabetes

A chronic condition that affects how the body regulates blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes may be at higher risk for complications from respiratory illnesses.

disinfecting

The use of chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. Disinfecting does not clean the surface and should be used after cleaning to eliminate remaining germs or debris.

efficacy

The ability of a product or intervention to produce the desired effect under ideal conditions. The efficacy of vaccines may vary depending on the strains and behaviors of the viruses they are targeting.

eldercare

The care of older adults or adults that are infirm, often in residential institutions or by at-home health aides. Eldercare employees are more likely to be exposed to respiratory illnesses.

endemic

A disease or condition regularly found in a particular area or among a specific population. An endemic respiratory illness may require ongoing prevention measures in workplaces within affected regions.

face shields

A protective device that covers the face and provides a barrier against respiratory droplets. Face shields can be an effective supplementary measure to reduce the transmission of respiratory illnesses.

Family and Medical Leave Act

FMLA. A U.S. law that entitles eligible employees to take unpaid leave for specific family and medical reasons while maintaining job protections. The Family and Medical Leave Act allows employees to take time off for illness or to care for sick family members.

fine particulate matter

A tiny particle or droplet in the air that is 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter. Exposure to fine particulate matter in the workplace can exacerbate respiratory conditions and increase the risk of respiratory illnesses among employees.

hand sanitizers

An alcohol-based product used to reduce or eliminate pathogens on the skin. Hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol are an important tool to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, especially when soap and water are not readily available.

hazard assessments

A written, formal appraisal of the safety risks that exist within a workplace. A hazard assessment is often performed by the safety team during a walk-through and is often used to determine appropriate types of personal protective equipment.

heart disease

A range of conditions affecting the heart's function and structure. Individuals with heart disease are more susceptible to severe outcomes from respiratory illnesses.

high-efficiency particulate air filters

HEPA filters. Equipment that can trap 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Using high-efficiency particulate air filters in workplace ventilation systems helps improve air quality and reduces the spread of respiratory viruses.

human resources

HR. The department in a company that is responsible for recruiting talent, establishing workplace policies, tracking employee performance, managing employee compensation and benefits, and taking corrective action on performance issues. Human resources policies should be consistent with public health guidelines.

hybrid

A working arrangement that combines both in-person and remote work arrangements. Hybrid workplaces enable employees to alternate between working on-site and remotely, which can help maintain productivity while reducing the risk of respiratory illness transmission.

hygiene

A practice or condition that promotes health and prevents the spread of disease. Good hygiene in the workplace, such as regular handwashing and cleaning of surfaces, is essential for reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses among employees.

immune systems

The body's defense network against infections and diseases. Having a weakened immune system, or being immunocompromised, increases vulnerability.

immunity

The body's ability to resist infection from harmful pathogens. Immunity, whether gained through vaccination or previous exposure, helps protect the body from illnesses.

influenza

An infectious disease caused by an influenza virus. Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory illness.

isolate

To separate a person who has a contagious disease from those who are not ill. People who have a respiratory illness should isolate to reduce the likelihood that they will spread it by exposing it to healthy people.

mask

An item of protective clothing that is made from multiple layers of cotton or other tightly woven material and fits snugly over the nose and mouth. Masks protect others from diseases the wearer may have and offer different levels of protection based on their material.

mutate

To undergo a change in genetic structure, often resulting in new variants. Respiratory viruses can mutate, potentially altering their transmissibility and severity.

over-the-counter

OTC. Able to be purchased from a store or pharmacy without a prescription. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen can help manage mild respiratory symptoms.

pandemic

An infectious disease outbreak that occurs worldwide or across multiple countries or continents. Pandemics are declared by the World Health Organization (WHO).

personal protective equipment

PPE. Any example of various safety equipment that employees wear or use to prevent injury or illness in the workplace. Personal protective equipment includes face masks.

polymerase chain reaction tests

PCR tests. A diagnostic method that detects the genetic material of a virus, providing accurate results for respiratory infections. Polymerase chain reaction tests identify cases of respiratory illnesses with greater accuracy than rapid antigen tests.

rapid antigen tests

A diagnostic method that quickly detects specific proteins from a virus, such as those causing respiratory illnesses. Taking a rapid antigen test can help identify infections promptly.

remote

A working arrangement that allows employees to perform their job duties from a location outside the traditional workplace, often their home. Remote work can reduce the risk of respiratory illness transmission by minimizing in-person interactions among employees.

respiratory syncytial virus

RSV. A contagious virus that infects the respiratory tract. Respiratory syncytial virus can cause severe respiratory illness, especially in infants and older adults.

respiratory system

The group of organs responsible for breathing. The respiratory system helps the body take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide.

respiratory viruses

A group of microscopic germs that infects people and may cause breathing-related illnesses. Respiratory viruses include rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza viruses, and coronaviruses.

rhinoviruses

A virus that most often causes the common cold. Rhinoviruses generally cause milder respiratory illnesses than influenza viruses or coronaviruses.

RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus. A contagious virus that infects the respiratory tract. RSV can cause severe respiratory illness, especially in infants and older adults.

sanitizing

The process of reducing the number of germs on surfaces to a safe level, as determined by public health standards. Regular sanitizing of frequently touched surfaces in the workplace is vital for preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses.

short-term disability benefits

A type of financial incentive provided to employees who are temporarily unable to work due to a medical condition. Offering short-term disability benefits can support employees recovering from illnesses, ensuring they have the necessary resources during their absence from work.

sick leave

A period of time that an employee is allowed to be away from work due to illness without losing pay. Providing adequate paid sick leave policies encourages employees to stay home when experiencing respiratory symptoms.

social distancing

The act of remaining six feet (2 m) apart from anyone who may be sick, including anyone not in a personal household. Social distancing prevents the spread of diseases transmitted through person-to-person contact.

vaccines

A substance that is usually given by injection to stimulate an immune response to protect against a disease. Vaccines are available to protect against some respiratory illnesses, such as influenza and COVID-19.

variants

A mutation of a virus that significantly changes how the virus behaves. Variants may spread more quickly or cause more severe illness.

ventilated

Equipped with a system to circulate fresh air in a space. A well-ventilated workplace reduces the concentration of airborne viruses, helping to prevent the spread of respiratory infections.