my wife has MRSA and i recently was diagnosed with it also and when i told my work that i had it they sent me to a doctor then fired me i think they did it because they are scared of me spreading it. is there anything out there that can explain that it is not that easily contagious? and can they legally fire me? i have 3 kids and couldn't afford to lose my job but i did. any information that could help me get my job back or maybe file a lawsuit would be great. thanks, chris
2006-12-27 14:01:49 · 8 answers · asked by chris s 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
Well, if her MRSA is colonized meaning it's there but not active, you can't be fired for that. I think the place where you work at and the person who fired you need to learn more about MRSA before making decisions like that. MRSA is contagious if it's active/not colonized. If it is, then it shouldn't be harmful to anybody around you.
2006-12-27 14:22:35 · answer #1 · answered by eljeanne 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A gal that used to work (has sinced moved)at our hospital caught it from a patient and she was off for a long time. She took a medical leave of absence about 6 weeks and came back to work when she was better and cleared by her doctor. This is a big hospital caring for alot of patients so the health risks are of course alot higher for our patients, and she didnt get fired.
Also depending on your situation and under the right conditions MRSA can be very contagious.. I hope this helps and I would look into your medical rights and talk to your doctor as well about it he can also tell you that No they cant fire you because of an illness medical leave yes fire no thats discrimination I believe. Good luck and get well to you both.
2006-12-28 02:46:47 · answer #2 · answered by steeleme69 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would find it hard that your job (which you haven't stated) could fire you for MRSA. It would be similar if they fired you for HIV or Cancer. I imagine money is tight. Start with the free things such as state labor boards. ADA depatments. Then if need be hire a lawyer.
I'm a firefighter/paramedic in a large city. Many of our employees have contracted it. They took their meds were off work for at most 2-3 weeks and have returned to full duty without speading to others in a firestation enviroment. Were talking close quarters, showers, locker room and dorms. Speading it in a office enviroment is far fetched.
Also look into patient privacy acts such as HIPAA. Your employer has no right to know your medical background. Your medical background is between you and your Dr. only!
2006-12-28 00:51:24 · answer #3 · answered by Iceplayr 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, MRSA IS easily spreadable and potentially deadly espcially for the young and the sick. Whether or not they can fire you depends on your length of employment and that state that you live in. NY is an "at will" state - so an employer can fire you at any time, for any reason.
You should be eligble for unemployment while you look for another job (and hopefully get treatment.) I would call a lawyer about suing - most laywers don't hang out on yahoo answers.
2006-12-27 22:07:27 · answer #4 · answered by Chula 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. It is a type of bacterium COMMONLY found on the skin and/or in the noses of healthy people. HEALTHY people. Yes, it can be in wounds, urine, and sputum. However you are not a danger to anyone if you are not ill. They cannot fire you if you have HIV so I cannot imagine you could be legitimately fired for this. I would get documentation of WHY exactly you were fired and then if it was really for what you explained, I would consult a lawyer immediately. Why should you and your family suffer for someone else's ignorance???
Good Luck.
2006-12-27 22:12:28 · answer #5 · answered by RaLoh 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would certainly see an attorney. I don't think you can be fired for having a bacterial infection. And by the way, it's very contagious and can be deadly to older people. But, you can't be fired for catching a disease. Call the Dept. of Labor in your state and ask for help.
2006-12-27 22:07:00 · answer #6 · answered by Sassy OLD Broad 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_multidrugFAQ.html
"Non-hospital healthcare facilities can safely care for and manage these patients by following appropriate infection control practices. In addition, non-hospital healthcare facilities should be aware that persons with MRSA, VRE, and other infections may be protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act or other applicable state or local laws or regulations." so perhaps you could.
2006-12-27 22:07:33 · answer #7 · answered by bubbagumpshrimp 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That depends on the state in which you reside.
Find an employment lawyer.
MRSA is pretty contagious, as are all Staph Aureus.
That said, I would think you had a good case for a law suit.
2006-12-27 22:08:16 · answer #8 · answered by Radagast97 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋