Should I Stay Home or Should I Go to Work?

Have you ever wavered on calling in sick or just toughing it out and go in to work?

Do you considered yourself a trooper when you go in to work sick? Did you hear about the man in Canada that was fined for going in to work sick? Of course, he worked in a bakery and his illness in question was salmonella poisoning. Pretty good reason to remain at home, I think.

However, what if you are not sure whether what you are feeling can be construed as a reason to remain home or not? You can sing "Should I stay or should I go?" as you pick the petals off a flower, but why? What a waste of a pretty flower.

Read this chart and it might assist you in making an informed decision regarding whether or not you should stay or go. These are just my opinions as I am in no way a medical physician.

Symptoms

Cough: Is your cough mild and non -threatening? Is it only a minor annoyance? Go to work. Bring some cough drops with you to work. If you are able, even take along some lemon tea.

Cough: Is your cough the type that rocks you head and shoulders? Is it producing phlegm or mucus? Is each vibration causing a small eruption in your sinus cavity? Stay at home-better still-go to the doctor.

Sore Throat: If your throat is sore from a recent excursion to a concert, go to work and remain as non-verbal as you are able. If your throat is sore from a recent bout with the common cold, be a trooper. If you have a tickle, go in to work, but monitor said tickle.

Sore Throat: Do you feel as if your throat is on fire? Is it swollen? Is the pain intense? Do you have a fever to go along with that sore throat? Stay home, and call your doctor.

Fever: If you awaken with a fever-, go back to bed. A fever is in indicator that your body is about to or is already in the process of battling out something. Stay in bed and rest while your body fights the invaders.

Stuffed up or runny nose: Take Kleenex with you. Go into work for the first day at least and monitor your condition. It could be allergies; it could be a sinus infection. Call your doctor if it persists.

There are some days being at work can be more of a hindrance to our place of employment than a help. Be smart in your decision. Everyone loves a trooper but not if the flu spreads throughout your office right before the holidays.