As an employee, it is important to know when to stay home from work due to illness. Not only does it prevent the spread of germs to coworkers, but it also allows you to rest and recover. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms that would require you to take sick leave and stay home from work.
Signs You Should Call in Sick
According to Dr. David Hur, there are five signs that you should call in sick and stay home to rest:
- You have a fever.
- You’re sniffly, coughing and have a scratchy throat but no fever.
- You have green or yellow nasal discharge.
- You have a killer headache.
- You have a hacking cough.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to stay home and avoid spreading germs to your coworkers. It is also important to rest and recover so that you can return to work healthy and productive.
Illnesses That Require You to Stay Home
When it comes to illnesses, there are certain ones that require you to stay home from work. According to Allina Health, you should stay home from work, keep your child home from school, or seek medical advice when:
- You are contagious to others (with a cold, flu, pink eye, staph skin infection, measles, mumps, etc.)
- You are vomiting or have diarrhea.
These illnesses are highly contagious and can easily spread to others in the workplace. It is important to stay home and rest until you are no longer contagious.
When to Report Your Symptoms
If you wake up not feeling well but are scheduled to work, it is important to assess your symptoms before deciding whether to stay home. According to State Food Safety, if you are experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, or a fever accompanied by a sore throat, the FDA requires that you report your symptoms to your manager.
It may be tempting to hide your symptoms from your manager, but it is important to be honest and transparent. This not only protects your coworkers from getting sick, but it also protects you from potential legal action if your illness is traced back to the workplace.
Self-Isolation and Quarantine
In some cases, you may be required to self-isolate or quarantine due to exposure to COVID-19 or other contagious illnesses. If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, it is important to self-isolate for 14 days to prevent the spread of the virus.
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you may be required to quarantine for a certain period of time. It is important to follow the guidelines set forth by your local health department and to stay home until you are no longer contagious.
Doctor’s Note and Absenteeism
If you are required to take sick leave, your employer may require a doctor’s note to verify your illness. It is important to follow your employer’s policies and provide any necessary documentation to ensure that your sick leave is approved.
Excessive absenteeism due to illness can also be a cause for concern. If you find yourself taking sick leave frequently, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed. It is important to take care of your health and seek medical attention if necessary.
Work from Home
In some cases, you may be able to work from home if you are feeling unwell but still able to work. This can help prevent the spread of germs to your coworkers while allowing you to continue working and earning a paycheck.
However, it is important to communicate with your employer and follow their policies regarding working from home. Not all jobs are suitable for remote work, and your employer may require you to take sick leave instead.
Conclusion
Knowing when to stay home from work due to illness is important for both your health and the health of your coworkers. If you experience any of the symptoms outlined in this article, it is best to stay home and rest until you are feeling better. Remember to follow your employer’s policies regarding sick leave and to communicate with your manager if necessary.
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