With flu and cold season right around the corner, I thought it might be nice to share some helpful information on what qualifies as a good reason to call in sick. For some people, calling in sick is not a big deal. Others struggle with calling in sick thinking that they might be judged by their boss or miss something important.

 

When you’re sick, you’re sick and no one at the office wants your germs; so it is best that you stay home to stop from spreading germs around the office and so you can fully recover and return to work as soon as possible.

 

Just remind yourself that the world is not going to end if you call in sick and your office mates will appreciate you staying home too.

 

Some of you may not know when to call in sick. Sometimes it is a given that you must call in sick and other times, it can be confusing. Here are some tips that will help you better decide: .

 

Got a sore throat and the sniffles…You wake up with a scratchy throat, a runny nose and a cough that you didn’t have the day before, you should definitely stay home. The common cold is most contagious the first few days.

 

Medication that even slightly impairs you to do your job correctly…Whether its prescription or over the counter, if it impairs you (to think, work or drive), you need to phone in sick.

 

Sinus Infection…A sinus infection can cause yellow or green nasal discharge, nasal stuffiness, facial pain or pressure, headache, or aching in the upper jaw and teeth experts say. These symptoms might distract you from performing at your best ability. Stay home and get some rest.

 

Pinkeye…When pinkeye comes from a viral or bacterial infection, it is highly contagious, so you should stay home from work. Touching your eyes and then touching objects spreads germs. Antibiotics don’t work with viral pinkeye but your condition should improve on its own within three to five days. Bacterial pinkeye does respond to antibiotic eye drops. You can go back to work two days after starting the treatment according to medical experts.

 

Back Pain…If you are experiencing back pain and your work involves a lot of bending and lifting, you should call in sick. Just because you’re sitting at a desk all day, doesn’t mean you are in the clear to go to work. Sitting all day can aggravate your back, making the pain worse. If you are having back pain, stay home and take it easy.

 

Remember, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If you don’t want to get sick from coworkers who go to work sick, then do them the favor too and stay home.

Not too sure if you have a cold or the flu? Click here to read a short article on flu symptoms vs. cold symptoms.