KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• If you have a fever, stay home. Any temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit suggests medical attention.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms are a no-go. If you are vomiting or have diarrhea, stay home.
• Give treatments time to work: Contagious conditions like strep throughout require at least 24 hours of treatment before returning to work.
• Clean your workspace regularly. Disinfect surfaces, keyboards and shared devices to protect yourself and others.
• Consider medication effects: Some treatments may impair your ability to work safely or make decisions. Read all medication labels thoroughly before returning to work.
SUMMARY:
Deciding whether to work when you feel sick can be challenging, especially when balancing personal health with professional responsibilities. This serves as a guide to help you make informed decisions about when to stay home, when to work and how to protect the health of those around you. Learn to recognize when to stay home, understanding how to work safely with mild symptoms and ways to prevent spreading illness in the workplace.
Chalk it up to our culture of high productivity, but missing work is one our first concerns when we get sick.
You may worry about meeting responsibilities and guarding the health of your team, when your primary focus should be on caring for yourself.
It’s important to remember that staying home when you’re sick doesn’t make you a burden on your company or co-workers. You’re actually doing your co-workers and customers a favor by taking care of yourself and not infecting them.
One of the most important ways you can put the brakes on transmission is to avoid others when symptoms appear. Staying at home when you’re sick is one of the everyday preventive actions prescribed by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
When your body says “stay home”
If you are experiencing a fever, cough or shortness of breath, it’s better to stay home. Any temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is a true fever, and you should consider contacting your healthcare provider. A fever is the universal red flag, meaning It’s time to rest. Stay home, call your primary care physician and drink lots of fluids.
Fevers aren’t the only thing that should keep you home. If you are vomiting or have diarrhea, never go to work. Drink plenty of fluids, stick to bland foods that don’t stress your digestive system and get plenty of rest.
Illnesses such as strep throat are highly contagious. Your doctor will typically recommend you take at least 24 hours away from work to give your antibiotics time to take effect. Your healthcare provider can provide specific guidance based on your condition.
Additionally, diseases like chicken pox, measles, whooping cough and the mumps are on the rise because of lower vaccination rates. If you have any of these, there are guidelines for when you can return to work, so it’s best to make a plan with your doctor and your employer.
Working while mildly ill: protecting others and yourself
Viral illnesses are spread through droplets produced by coughing and sneezing. If you have mild cold symptoms but feel well enough to work, wearing a mask helps protect you and others. Also, make sure to frequently wash your hands throughout the workday. Good hand hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infection.
It’s also important to be considerate of your workspace and who you’re sharing it with. Some viruses and harmful bacteria can survive for long periods on hard surfaces. Be sure to disinfect handles, keyboards and shared devices after each use.
Creating a healthier workplace for everyone
When you’re sick, keep your safety and the safety of the people you work with in mind. Your doctor might prescribe medications to manage your symptoms, and some medications can affect your ability to complete tasks, operate machinery or make decisions. When navigating an illness, discuss it with your physician, and let your supervisors and co-workers know if you need a shift in responsibilities while you recover.
Frequently asked questions:
Q: How long should I stay home with a fever?
A: Stay home until you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. This means you’re no longer contagious and have recovered sufficiently.
Q: Can I work from home if I have mild cold symptoms?
A: If you don’t have a fever and feel well enough to be productive, working from home can be a good compromise that protects yourself and others.
Q: What’s the difference between a cold and something more serious?
A: Cold symptoms typically include a runny nose, mild cough and congestion without fever. If you have a high fever, severe body aches, a persistent cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.
Q: How do I know if my medication affects my ability to work?
A: Read medication labels carefully and discuss side effects with your doctor. If you feel drowsy or dizzy, consider taking time off or working from home.
