EL PASO, Texas -- Tuesday on Capitol Hill, senators worked on a plan that would guarantee paid time off for people with the swine flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explained to lawmakers that one person sick with the swine flu will infect 10 percent of co-workers, a big reason why lawmakers want to give people incentives to stay home.

The problem is that millions of people, especially low-wage workers, don't get sick pay. Many will come to work so they can get paid, or because they fear getting fired.

Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Connecticut, said, "This isn't just a worker's rights issue. It's a public health emergency. Families shouldn't have to choose between staying healthy and making ends meet."

There's a similar plan in the House.

Both would give five paid sick days to someone sent home with swine flu.

The House holds a hearing on the issue next week.