CDC Workplace Infection Safety and Prevention 135

absenteeism

The absence of an employee or employees. Absenteeism caused by illness during a pandemic should be planned for by employers to ensure continued operation.

acetaminophen

An over-the-counter drug used to relieve pain and fever. Acetaminophen can help manage symptoms of COVID-19 when the instructions on the label are followed.

acute respiratory distress

A syndrome that develops when the air sacs in the lungs fill up with fluid and restrict the ability of the lungs to take in air. Acute respiratory distress stops the lungs from delivering the oxygen organs in the human body require to function.

allergic reactions

A hypersensitive immune response to a substance. Allergic reactions include rashes, swelling, and anaphylaxis and range from mild to severe.

antibody tests

A test that checks the blood for the presence of proteins that help fight off a viral infection. Antibody tests, or serology tests, are used to confirm that someone previously had Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and their immune system successfully suppressed the virus.

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-home test kit

A viral test for COVID-19 that can be purchased without a prescription and is administered at home. An at-home test kit returns results in less than half an hour but may be slightly less accurate than a viral test administered by a medical professional.

bivalent boosters

An additional dose of a vaccine that creates an improved immune response to two different forms of a virus. Bivalent boosters for COVID-19 protect against the original virus and the more contagious Omicron variants.

blood clots

A clump of blood cells that have congealed from a liquid to a gel or semi-solid. Blood clots that form in veins or arteries can be life-threatening and require medical treatment.

booster shots

An additional dose of a vaccine that creates an improved immune response. A booster shot is recommended for anyone older than five.

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.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

CMS. A government agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides health coverage to more than 100 million people using Medicaid, Medicare, the Health Insurance Marketplace, and the Children's Health Insurance Program. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has established a vaccination requirement that aligns with the federal mandate and applies to all healthcare employees who work in facilities that accept its health insurance policies.

cleaning

The removal of dirt and impurities, such as germs, from surfaces. Cleaning does not kill germs but does decrease the number of germs on a surface.

close contact

Being less than six feet away from an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. Close contact is the main way that the COVID-19 virus is transmitted.

concentrations

The amount of a substance contained within a given amount of space. High concentrations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can build up in an infected person's upper respiratory tract very quickly.

contaminated

Polluted with a noxious substance. Surfaces contaminated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can spread the virus to a person who touches them.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

COVID-19. A respiratory illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Coronavirus Disease 2019 was discovered in Wuhan, China in late 2019 and caused the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a global pandemic in March 2020.

coronaviruses

A virus that causes 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). COVID-19 was discovered in Wuhan, China in late 2019 and caused the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a 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 the work still gets done.

Delta variant

A specific mutation of the COVID-19 virus that was discovered in late 2020. The Delta variant is more contagious and may cause more severe illness than the original virus.

disinfecting

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

Environmental Protection Agency

EPA. The U.S. federal government agency that carries out federal research, monitoring, standard-setting, and enforcement activities to ensure a clean, healthy environment. The Environmental Protection Agency maintains standards for any fluids that contain potentially harmful ingredients.

face masks

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. Face masks protect others from diseases the wearer may have and offer different levels of protection based on their material.

FDA

Food and Drug Administration. A U.S. federal agency that protects public health by ensuring drugs and medical treatments are safe, effective, and truthfully labeled. The FDA has approved four vaccines to protect against COVID-19.

Food and Drug Administration

FDA. A U.S. federal agency that protects public health by ensuring drugs and medical treatments are safe, effective, and truthfully labeled. The Food and Drug Administration has approved four vaccines to protect against COVID-19.

fully vaccinated

Having received all necessary doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Fully vaccinated individuals have immunity two weeks after the last dose of their vaccine.

gloves

A type of personal protective equipment worn on the hands and/or arms to reduce the risk of injury. Gloves should always be worn when handling chemicals or sharp objects.

hazard assessment

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.

hazards

A source of danger or possible injury. Hazards can be physical hazards, such as falling objects, or health hazards, such as biological or chemical exposure.

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.

influenza

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

isolation

The act of separating a person who has a contagious disease from those who are not ill. Isolation reduces the spread of illness by preventing the exposure of healthy people to those who have the disease.

novel

Never before seen. When something is novel, it is new and unique.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA. A government agency under the U.S. Department of Labor that sets the standards for safe working conditions in the United States. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration ensures that employees work in safe and healthy environments.

Omicron variants

A group of specific mutation of the COVID-19 virus that was discovered in November 2021 and has mutations of the spike protein. The Omicron variants appear to be more contagious than the Delta variant, but research on their severity, transmission, and vaccine resistance is ongoing.

over-the-counter

OTC. Medications that can be purchased from a store or pharmacy without a prescription. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen can help manage mild COVID-19 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 in the workplace. Personal protective equipment includes face masks.

PPE

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

prescription antiviral pills

A medication for COVID-19 that is given as a tablet or capsule and can be taken without a hospital admission but requires approval from a physician. Prescription antiviral pills are being developed to reduce the severity or length of a COVID-19 infection, and Pfizer's has been authorized for emergency use.

private-sector

Any employer that is not part of a governmental body. Most companies are private-sector businesses.

proteins

Large molecules that are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the tissues and organs within the human body. A type of protein called an antibody is used by the human body's immune system to fight off infection.

public-sector

Any employer that is a department or agency of a governmental body. Public-sector businesses include all organizations that pay employee wages with taxes.

quarantine

Separating a person who was exposed to a contagious disease from the general public. Quarantining someone who may have a contagious disease prevents them from spreading it to others.

respiratory droplets

A particle of water and other matter that is produced by the human body when a person breathes, talks, sneezes, coughs, or vomits. Respiratory droplets contain and spread COVID-19.

rhinovirus

A virus that most often causes the common cold. Rhinovirus is a respiratory illness.

serology tests

A test that checks the blood for the presence of proteins that help fight off a viral infection. Serology tests, or antibody tests, are used to confirm that someone previously had Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and their immune system successfully suppressed the virus.

severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

SARS-CoV-2. A coronavirus that causes the respiratory illness known as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 caused a global pandemic that was declared in March 2020.

sheds

Releases new virus particles out into the surrounding environment. To shed a virus means that the virus can then be spread to surrounding people and objects.

social distancing

The act of remaining six feet 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.

splash guards

A plastic shield that blocks respiratory droplets. Splash guards help to prevent employees from spreading or making contact with respiratory droplets that contain COVID-19.

standard

An established policy regarding a particular practice or method. Standards can be created by organizations like OSHA and CMS.

suppliers

Organizations that provide a product to another organization. Products are often passed in a chain, from the supplier to the organization to the customer.

teleconferencing

Meeting electronically, usually via telephone or network connection. Teleconferencing offers potential cost savings in travel and executive time.

unsanitized

Not made hygienic by cleaning or disinfecting. Unsanitized items should be cleaned and disinfected at least daily.

up to date

Having received all necessary doses of a COVID-19 vaccine plus one booster shot. Requirements for being up to date depend on the availability of boosters or vaccines for specific COVID-19 variants.

upper respiratory tract

The part of the respiratory tract that includes the mouth, nose, nasal passages, throat, and larynx. The upper respiratory tract provides a passage for air to be breathed in and out of the lungs.

vaccinated

Treated with a vaccine to produce an immune response. Being vaccinated with an approved vaccine is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Vaccination and Testing ETS

A temporary, emergency standard instituted by OSHA that would have required all regular employees to be vaccinated or to wear face masks and submit to regular testing for COVID-19. OSHA recommends employers follow the guidelines in the Vaccination and Testing ETS, even though the Supreme Court ruled that OSHA cannot enforce it or issue citations related to it.

vaccines

A substance that is usually given by injection to stimulate an immune response to protect against a disease. Four vaccines have been approved to protect against COVID-19 in adults, and three vaccines are currently authorized for use in children as young as six months.

variants

A mutation of the virus that causes COVID-19 that significantly changes how the virus behaves. Variants of the COVID-19 virus, such as the Delta and Omicron variants, may spread more quickly or cause more severe illness.

viral test

An evaluation that checks samples, such as a swab from inside of the nose, to confirm the presence of a virus. Viral tests are used to confirm that someone is currently sick with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

workplace coordinator

The person made responsible for handling issues related to a designated emergency situation. The workplace coordinator should ensure that proper protocols are implemented and followed until the emergency situation is over.

World Health Organization

WHO. A global group that promotes worldwide health and safety. The World Health Organization focuses on ensuring universal health and wellness, eradicating communicable disease, and responding to health emergencies.