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Health & Fitness

Sick?!? Unsure of whether to call out of work....

When to Call in Sick

It can be hard in the morning deciding if your congestion will clear up after a dose of over-the-counter medicine or last the whole day, making you miserable at work. It is officially flu season, and with the number of people we come in contact with every day, staying healthy is not only important for you but also for the other people you’re around. So if you’re debating whether or not to call in sick, here are some general guidelines to follow!

Call in sick when…

Your symptoms are more severe than the sniffles and a cough or you are on the first day of a cold. You’ll be most contagious during the beginning of a cold, so it is best to stay home to avoid spreading the virus to others. Also, some more serious illnesses start with what we think of as cold symptoms. The number one symptom to look for to differentiate between a common cold and another illness is a fever. Colds don’t usually cause a fever, so a high temperature, especially over 101 degrees, is a sign of your immune system fighting something bigger. Earaches, face or jaw pain, a very persistent cough, and difficulty breathing are also reasons to drive to the doctor instead of the office. These symptoms could point to the flu or a bacterial infection, and a doctor can prescribe medication to help.

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Tough it out when…

You’ve had symptoms for a few days, and you know you have just a common cold. While it might be a pain to continue to bring tissues everywhere you go, the worst symptoms of a common cold should improve in 3-4 days. With proper sanitation precautions like using hand sanitizer and sneezing into a tissue or your elbow, you won’t be too much of a health hazard to your coworkers. Rest and increasing the amount of fluids that you take in are also vital! Most common symptoms of a cold, like sneezing, coughing and fatigue, can be managed with the use of over-the-counter cold medications or decongestants until your body completely fights off the virus. While some days we do just have to tough it out and get through the day with a cold, it is also important to listen to your body and do what you think is best to get you back to healthy.

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Take cold and flu precautions…

Always! Flu season in the US generally lasts from October to March, but it is possible to get a cold or the flu anytime of the year. The easiest and most effective way to stay healthy is to regularly wash your hands. If you take a minute to think of everything you touch each day – doorknobs, hand rails, phones, your face, other people’s hands, etc. – you can see how easy it is for a virus to spread. Hand sanitizer is a good substitute to carry in your bag or keep at your desk.

And the best way to keep yourself and those around you healthy is to see a doctor if you think you might have a more serious illness. In most cases, you’ll be diagnosed with a cold and prescribed a day of sitting on the couch, watching the Price is Right, and sometimes that’s all you need to feel like yourself again.

 

Dr Michael A. McCormick

Express Med of King of Prussia

www.expressmedkop.com

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