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

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 reduce spread of respiratory viruses.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-COV-2; United States; acute respiratory illness; coronavirus disease; disease transmission; influenza; pandemics; presenteeism; respiratory infections; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; teleworking; viruses; workplaces.