From Everyday Health
If you’ve ever caught a cold from a coworker, you’ve probably wished for some kind of walk-through germ detector that would keep everyone who’s ill from entering the workplace until they’re healthy again. But when the tables are turned and you’re the one with a cold, it’s sometimes tough to make the decision to stay home. Still, even if you have few—if any—paid sick days, it’s important to take care of yourself when you’re ill, and sometimes that means hunkering down in bed under a blanket for a few days. Your coworkers will thank you, and you’ll feel better sooner.
Cold Symptoms That Should Keep You Home
If you are diligent about hand washing, going to work with mild sniffles, sneezing, or an occasional cough is less risky for spreading germs to your coworkers. But you should stay home if:
- You have a fever
- You have a bad cough (frequent, loud, painful)
- You’re taking medication that makes you drowsy
- You’re just too tired or achy to function at work
Where you work and what you do are also factors, of course. If you need to be alert and physically active to work safely, stay home if you’re not fully functioning or are taking cold medication that might make you drowsy (look at the Drug Facts on your medication). If you work with infants, seniors, or anyone with a compromised immune system, protect their health by staying at home until your cold symptoms have gone away.
Can You Cure a Cold or Flu?
While you can't cure your cold with medication, you can treat your symptoms. As simple as it sounds, rest is important and effective. Conserving your energy gives your body a chance to recuperate, and staying at home (in bed) helps to prevent exposure to additional germs. Drinking lots of fluids is also important because you need to replace fluids your body is losing through nasal secretions and perspiration. But if you have a fever, it's likely a flu. Skip alcohol and caffeine, since they hasten dehydration. Using a cool-mist humidifier may also help.
If a cold has really laid you low, lasted for 10 days or more, or is accompanied by a persistent high fever, you might have a more serious condition and should see your doctor.
