{"id":8625,"date":"2025-04-28T09:01:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-28T09:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/?post_type=resources&p=8625"},"modified":"2026-10-09T10:28:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T15:28:00","slug":"when-its-more-than-a-cold-a-time-off-refresher","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/when-its-more-than-a-cold-a-time-off-refresher\/","title":{"rendered":"When It’s More Than a Cold: A Time Off Refresher"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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by Helena Oroz<\/strong>, Senior Legal Editor at Brightmine<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In unfortunate ways, what’s old is new again, at least in terms of contagious illnesses. More than half of US states are currently reporting confirmed measles cases<\/a>, whooping cough<\/a> (pertussis) is on the rise, and even tuberculosis<\/a> seems to be making a comeback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An illness resulting from such an infection can last for an extended period and sometimes result in serious complications. According to the Mayo Clinic<\/a>, the measles infection occurs in stages over two to three weeks. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes a whooping cough infection<\/a> as resolving over weeks or even months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As with any medical issue, complications and recovery from such illnesses can vary, depending on individual factors like age and vaccination status. Generally speaking, though, an employee who is sick with measles or caring for a child with whooping cough will need time away from work for longer than an employee with a simple cold, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you feel like this feels a little bit like a COVID-era conversation – you’re not too far off. It’s still a common employer question: We have an employee who is quite ill, but we don’t think they are eligible for leave or time off – what should we do?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some things to think about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does the FMLA apply to this situation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires covered employers to provide eligible employees with job-protected unpaid leave for qualified medical and family reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under the FMLA, an eligible employee can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a single 12-month period for their own or a family member’s serious health condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A “serious health condition” under the FMLA is an illness (or injury, impairment, or physical or mental condition) that involves either:<\/p>\n\n\n\n