If I got covid from my boss (indeed confirmed this is where I got it from and work related) and several weeks later we were at a networking event she disclosed to a stranger that I was "covid symptomatic" is that a violation of HIPAA?

17 Comments

1. AnonymousNovember 12,2024 at 5:29PM UTC

   Quite possibly! I'm not super familiar with this, but at best, it was inappropriate. I'd do some research if I were you, but I think the better question is what are you going to do about it if it was a violation?

   https://www.hipaajournal.com/hipaa-violation-in-the-workplace/#:~:text=a%20particular%20jurisdiction.-,Examples%20of%20HIPAA%20Violations%20by%20Employers,-HIPAA%20Violation

2. KimNovember 12,2024 at 8:04PM UTC

   Thank you. I am further researching everything to figure best route forward

3. AnonymousNovember 12,2024 at 5:38PM UTC

   You can ask an attorney for guidance and if you should file a formal complaint.

4. AnonymousNovember 12,2024 at 10:20PM UTC

   maybe, keeping in mind, it's treated as flu now. If she said symptomatic, that could be looked at as inferring.

5. AnonymousNovember 13,2024 at 12:35AM UTC

   Several weeks later you would not still be contagious, even if you still have some lingering symptoms. All the way around this sounds odd. That said, work and medical providers are not quite held to the same legal standards. It's highly unlikely you can do anything besides make a complaint to HR. Whether that will be beneficial or problematic is hard to say (especially since you clearly have a boss with poor boundaries - coming to work sick then gossiping about you). It really depends on the specifics of your situation.

6. Molly FNovember 13,2024 at 1:39PM UTC

   No it's not a HIPPA violation unless they are a Dr & you are their patient. HIPPA applies to health care providers. This is the equivalent of telling someone you had a cold or the flu. It's not a big deal & the people advising lawyers are ridiculous. At most it is a complaint to HR.

7. AnonymousNovember 13,2024 at 4:37PM UTC

   We were riding together for several days on calls. She was not feeling well both days, was coughing and sneezing. Advised me after taking a covid test that she was positive. I started to feel sick, missed 4 days of work due to testing positive eventually myself. It took me close to 3 weeks to get over, had a rough go of it. This was a new position and I had not accrued enough time for sick pay, so those "sick days" went unpaid.

8. AnonymousNovember 13,2024 at 8:08PM UTC

   No big deal. I catch colds all the time from colleagues coming into work sick. Covid is long past being a cause for alarm. Just another form of the flu. No drama.

9. AnonymousNovember 14,2024 at 3:31PM UTC

   YOU catch colds, and maybe your immune system is stronger than someone else's. Ever had the flu for over 14 days and been hospitalized? Only the flu? There are quite a number of people that die from "the flu". You sound quite selfish.

10. misskelleypNovember 13,2024 at 9:35PM UTC

    I might have a word with your boss that you'd appreciate it if they would not share your health status with others.

11. AnonymousNovember 13,2024 at 10:52PM UTC

    Why would you think it's a HIPAA violation? I would look up HIPAA and educate yourself.

12. AnonymousNovember 14,2024 at 2:03PM UTC

    What's with the spicy snark? Maybe they did look it up and still are not super clear. I've read HIPAA it's not exactly like reading a novel.

    Tired of people like you thinking you're being 'edgy' or whatever it is you think you are doing. All you are doing is being mean. Do better.

13. AnonymousNovember 14,2024 at 1:57PM UTC

    HIPAA is for health information/ providers so while this is unlikely that (unless your boss is also your health care provider), it sounds like you'd rather not have your boss mention personal stuff about you. Maybe it has to do with COVID, maybe a differing level of privacy. Trust me, I had a boss who'd share people's private information all the time. We'd call her on it, ask her to stop, even reported her to HR when HR held trainings about confidentiality and care...because she brought in money, she was never reprimanded. I share this to say, document everything, find a way to speak up for what you need or your preferences. Observe what happens. Either, you may need to adjust in the workplace or you may want to leave and go to a place where people treat you better (initially or after a mature conversation).

    It sounds like your boss is careless. There is no need for her to disclose your information to tell a story at a networking event. But, now you know that the two of you don't see eye to eye.

    Good luck and be well.

14. AnonymousNovember 14,2024 at 2:19PM UTC

    To those downplaying Covid: It may not be a big deal to you, but please remember that others have conditions that make it a serious risk. It’s not just about getting sick—it can impact their long-term health and financial stability. While the OP is discussing public information, it’s important to respect that health issues are deeply personal, and you may not be aware of what others are dealing with.

15. AnonymousNovember 14,2024 at 4:17PM UTC

    I'm pretty sure catching and flu or cold would be devastating to anyone with a compromised immune system. They must be vigilant with the environments they choose.

16. AnonymousNovember 14,2024 at 5:08PM UTC

    I'm so sorry to hear you got sick and could trace the cause. Your boss is unethical, immoral and careless. Regardless of your reason for being out sick, it's unethical for your boss to tell others your issues. And quite frankly you don't have to tell them what it is either.

    To the person who replied this :No big deal. I catch colds all the time from colleagues coming into work sick. Covid is long past being a cause for alarm. Just another form of the flu. No drama. " Please know Covid is actually still very dangerous. Until you lose someone from it, I'd kindly ask you to have some awareness, tact, and empathy for others on here who may have lost loved ones to it. Those with weakened immune systems can get very ill not only from Covid, but flu and colds as well.

    To the OP, your boss is a reflection of their ignorance and lack of empathy or professionalism. I'm so sorry you had to deal with that. I hope you can find a better work environment with a better manager.

17. Ayur careMarch 10,2025 at 6:24AM UTC
    This is unlikely to be a HIPAA violation since your boss is not a healthcare provider, but it could still be a privacy issue. For men health, low testosterone can affect energy, mood, and overall well being. Oral testosterone treatment may help by increasing hormone levels, so you may want to consider taking this treatment. https://www.rethinktestosterone.com/blog/hypogonadism-covid-19-infection-testosterone-levels