The Sick Worker's On-the-Job Etiquette Guide

At some point of all of our working lives, we will go down that miserable and lonely road-sick as a dog but unable to stay away from the job long enough to get better.

But just because the job beckons us during our illness, doesn't mean we don't follow the rules. In fact, there are an extra set of rules that are incredibly important that you, the sick person at the office, must abide by.

Be it a cold, the flu, or anything else you have to stomach (pun intended) until it runs its course, the world, unfortunately, doesn't stop until we feel up to par again.

With that said, grab a tissue and some aspirin and let's begin!

Maintain professionalism. When you're sick, it's not necessary to tell your coworkers all the disgusting and painful things you experienced last night at your porcelain throne. Keeping the gory details to yourself and maintaining a sense of professionalism even though you feel like crawling under a rock.

Don't spread it! Ok, ok. This is a no-brainer. We were all taught when we were younger to cover our mouths when we have to cough or sneeze, but surprisingly, a lot of people are unaware of when they fail to do this.

Consciously decide to take sanitary precautions and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, wash your hands (or use liquid sanitizer) regularly throughout the day, and continue to take good care of yourself (taking your meds and constantly drinking fluids, if your job allows).

Beware of catching the ugly bug. You know how it is when you're so sick you can't see straight. On top of that, being at work only seems to amplify how terrible you're feeling.

That most likely means the level of your patience dwindles and your attitude level rises, meaning you can spread negativity more easily to people around you. Being negative doesn't make you feel any better; it only makes you loath the fact that you are sick to begin with.

We have to be sure that we are still kind and courteous to our coworkers and customers, no matter how crummy we are feeling.

Disinfect! Disinfect! DISINFECT! It's a great idea to bring disinfectant wipes on the job. In practically every job imaginable (and in life in general), we are always actively coming into contact with various things via our hands.

We unconsciously rub our noses, play with our hair, and touch hundreds of surfaces throughout the day (tabletops, counters, doorknobs, other people) that contain swarms of bacteria that we can neither see nor really think about in the first place.

And being sick only increases the chance of us receiving and spreading some of those bacteria.

By carrying a small pack of disinfectant wipes, we not only help decrease those chances of spreading the sickness around, but we are also showing consideration towards those around us.

Don't slack on your job. We know that there are levels of sickness. Yes levels. They range from the "strong headache" level to the "God, just take me now" level with colorful variations in between.

When sickness really kicks in, it can understandably slow down even the very best of us. It's our body's defense mechanisms kicking in screaming at us: "Hey! This body is overloading and in need of rest and rejuvenation! You've got to stop so that we can reboot here!!"

Still, if you are able to remain at work, you must remember that you are still at work and you need to, you know, actually work.

Slacking only looks bad on you and is just as bad-if not worse-as you not being there. Keep a strong work ethic and hang in there until closing time.

Remember: In the office, you and your coworkers are all a team, relying on each other to not only get the job done, but to peacefully get through the day. Don't let being sick ruin everyone else's day and delay your healing process!