Fred Harteis News Articles - Call in Sick or Go to Work? Here's Some Advice

Fred Harteis News Articles - The alarm's buzzing ... but something's not right. You're sniffly, sneezy ... queasy. You have a common cold. Or is it something worse? Should you drag yourself to work? Or spend the day in front of the tube?

"Presenteeism" -- going to work when you're sick -- is as contagious as the flu. Millions of Americans are doing it. By one estimate, upwards of 75% head to work with the common cold or other problems.

Sure, sick employees keep the computer warm. But research shows that people sick with the common cold are not very productive. In fact, their lost productivity accounts for up to 60% of employer health costs -- more than if they'd taken a sick day.

Also, be careful about which medications you take for the common cold, says Nathan Segall, MD, a private practice allergy specialist. The overwhelming majority reach for over-the-counter antihistamines, he says. But beware: Even if it's a so-called "non-sedating antihistamine" it could cause sleepiness and mental fogging, says Segall. "Some individuals will be more likely to have these side effects than others will."

That turns into a double-whammy: The common cold itself will affect your ability to concentrate because of clogged nasal passages and headache. Add a bit of drowsiness (whether it's from the pills or from difficulty sleeping). Pretty soon, you're making mistakes at the keyboard, barking at co-workers, generally feeling miserable. Even if it's just the common cold, maybe you should have called in sick.

Sniffling
If you are sniffling -- but not achy, not feverish -- it's probably allergies. Get to work!

Chills, Sweats
If your clothes are getting drenched, you likely have a fever. (A warm forehead is a very low-grade fever or nothing at all.) When you have a fever, stay home -- you're contagious! It's likely flu or, yes, the common cold. Drink fluids.

Coughing
If it's a tickle in the throat or it feels like postnasal drip, the cough is probably from allergies or the common cold. Unless you've got other common cold symptoms, such as aches or fever, get to work! If the cough feels deep, makes you short of breath, and brings up green mucus, it's likely more than the common cold -- perhaps bronchitis or pneumonia, according to Horesh. See a doctor!

Earache
If your ear really hurts, if you can't hear well, you may have an ear infection. That's not contagious. Congestion from a common cold can also leave your ear in pain. You need to see a doctor to see which it is. You may need an antibiotic. Ear infections usually don't go away on their own, she says.

Pinkeye
If your eyes are bright red, if there's creamy white stuff in the corners, if your eyelashes are getting matted, that's likely pinkeye, which is highly contagious. Don't go to work.



Sinus Pain
Pain around the eyes, top of the forehead, the cheekbones, even the top of your teeth are signs of a sinus infection, but it could be a common cold or allergies. Call in sick and see a doctor to see if you need an antibiotic. Next day, you'll likely be able to get yourself to work since sinus infections aren't typically contagious, Horesh advises.

Tummy Problems
A stomach virus -- nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, aches, low-grade fever -- can lay you low for several days. For 24-48 hours, you'll be absolutely miserable. It can take up to five days to recover. Drink lots of fluids, especially water, so you don't get dehydrated.

Source: WebMd.com

About Fred Harteis : Fred Harteis leads Harteis International. Fred Harteis has a background in agriculture and has created many successful business ventures.