You have a runny nose, a cough and possibly a fever.
Should you call in sick? Dr. Robert Forti, an internal medicine physician at Nashville Medical Group at Baptist Hospital, says that if you have a cold or the flu, chances are you’ll be just fine in a few days.
Your decision about whether to go to work is more about the health of your friends and co-workers, he says. “What you absolutely don’t want to do is put other people in peril for catching that same illness.”
He’s helped compile this advice to help you decide whether to call in sick.
Upset stomach or diarrhea: Are you having four or more bowel movements a day? If yes: You likely have something that can be spread to co-workers, despite hand washing. If no: Go to work. Just wash your hands thoroughly and regularly.
Fever: Is it greater than 100.5 degrees? If yes: Stay home or risk infecting others. If no: It’s probably safe to go to work.
Cough: Is it productive? If yes: These secretions are likely to infect others. Stay home. If no: If you have a dry cough toward the end of your cold, you’re no longer infectious. Go to work.
Sore throat: Does it hurt to speak and/or breathe? Chances are you’re not going to be productive. Stay home. If no: Head to work, but keep citrus cough drops handy, and don’t share anything with co-workers.
Runny nose: Can you breathe through your nose? If yes: Your symptoms aren’t too severe, so go to work, but wash hands regularly. If no: If you’re constantly using tissues, stay home.
