THE SICK DAY RULES
Dragging yourself to work when you’re under the weather isn’t always sensible. We tell you when to go in and when it’s best to stay at home
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e’re taking fewer sick days than ever (on average four per year, compared to seven in 1993), with one study finding that nine in 10 of us would prefer to struggle in to work than take time off if unwell. And we don’t go any easier on our little ones either. Seven in 10 parents confess to sending an unwell child to school or nursery. But is that really for the best? When should we stay home and when should we soldier on?
VOMITING AND DIARRHOEA “These are usually clear signs that you should stay at home,” says Pharmacy2U superintendent pharmacist Phil Day. “Diarrhoea and vomiting can be caused by the highly contagious norovirus or rotavirus, or bacterial infections like salmonella,” he says. “These can be transmitted through direct contact or contaminated objects – so basically, stay away from others as best you can.” Public Health England advises exclusion until 48 hours after the last episode of illness to reduce the risk of contamination.
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COUGHS, COLDS AND FLU “With genuine flu you will be too weak to get out of bed initially,” says Dr Sarah Brewer, medical director of Healthspan. Expect to be absent for at least a week and ensure you are fever-free for 24 hours before returning. Coughs and colds are more of a grey area, with 75 per cent of adults saying they would feel guilty for taking time off work. So you might be surprised – and relieved – to learn that health experts recommend time off for colds as well as flu. “You can spread a cold from a few days “Even if you feel better during that time frame you could still be ‘shedding’ the virus,” says The Hygiene Doctor’s Dr Lisa Ackerley. “It only takes one or two particles to infect someone.” However, vomiting can also be caused by medication, food intolerance or migraines, in which case there is no risk of passing it on. HOW TO TREAT: Rest and sip clear fluids to avoid dehydration. HOW TO CONTAIN: Be scrupulous about handwashing, avoid sharing towels, wash laundry at high temperatures and disinfect surfaces, particularly toilet and door handles.
before symptoms begin until they have finished,” says Dr Brewer. “Stay away from work or school for at least two to three days to help yourself recover and protect colleagues and classmates.” However, with some symptoms lingering for weeks, there can be confusion over when to return. Essentially, if you are coughing and sneezing droplets all over the place you shouldn’t be at work or school as you will spread it. Lingering symptoms can usually be managed. HOW TO TREAT: Rest and stay warm, with plenty of fluids to keep hydrated. Over-thecounter treatments can ease symptoms but if they haven’t improved after a week, or complications develop, see your GP. HOW TO CONTAIN: Cough and sneeze into your elbow to reduce the spread of airborne droplets. Adopt a one-use rule for tissues and wash hands every time you blow your nose.
