FMLA and Shingles: Understanding Your Rights as a Healthcare Worker

Question
I'm an ICU RN who came down with shingles at the age of 32!  My physician suggested I apply for FMLA since I would probably be out of work for 10-14 days.  I was denied, and was told it was because shingles is like "influenza" and doesn't have long-term effects.  What?  First, a significant percentage (up to 25%) of patients with shingles will develop PHN, which can last a year or more.  Second, I didn't think that the illness had to be long term to qualify for FMLA.  I was just asking for the 2 weeks to try to recover and hopefully not expose my critically ill patients.

Answer
Sharon,

Sounds to me like your doctor needs to document more specific reasons why you need to be out of work.  You did not state if you have herpetic lesions, how extensive the shingles are.  Usually with FMLA the reason the case is denied is because of insufficient clinical reasons to support the amount of time you are applying for.  Not all shingles cases require two weeks.

I would definitely appeal the decision and try to obtain more specific criteria from your doctor.