Nobody enjoys the dreaded call to the boss, explaining they’re sick and can’t be at work today.
On the other hand, nobody enjoys sitting next to a sniffling, sneezing, coughing coworker who might have the flu or may spread their evil germs to the rest of the office.
What’s a good employee to do?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that if you have flu symptoms, you should stay home at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. And that’s without using Tylenol or other fever-reducing medicines to artificially knock down the fever.
If you have the flu, the only reasons you should leave home are to get medical care or other necessities.
Here are signs you have the flu:
- Fever (although not everybody who has the flu will have a fever);
- Cough;
- Sore throat;
- Runny or stuffy nose;
- Body aches;
- Headache;
- Chills;
- Fatigue; and
- Diarrhea and vomiting (sometimes).
The CDC says most people who have the flu have a mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. People should visit the doctor when they have flu symptoms and are in high-risk groups “young children; pregnant women; people 65 or older; or those with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart- or lung diseases. You also should see a doctor if you are worried about the illness.
Some emergency flu cases should have you on your way to an emergency room, according to the CDC.
For Children: Fast breathing or trouble breathing; bluish skin color; not drinking enough fluids; not waking up or interacting; being so irritable that the child does not want to be held; or when flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and a worse cough.
For Infants: Being unable to eat; trouble breathing; no tears when crying; and significantly fewer wet diapers than usual.
For Adults: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen; sudden dizziness; confusion; severe or persistent vomiting; and flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and a worse cough.
The CDC also advises that if you have to go out while you have the flu, such as to the doctor’s office, you should stay as far from others to avoid infecting them. You also should wear a facemask if you have one, or cover coughs and sneezes with tissues. Also, wash your hands as often as possible to keep from spreading the flu to others.
Looking for more ways to protect your family during flu season? Make sure you start with getting your flu shot.
