Staying home has always been the best option when sick, and with COVID-19 ravaging the globe, it has become essential. But many people have allergies and other noncontagious conditions, which can make figuring out whether you’re sick enough to stay home tough. Here are 5 signs that you really need to call in sick.
1. Fever
A fever is a sign that your body is fighting an infection, and it is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19. If your temperature is over 100 degrees, stay home to protect yourself and others.
2. Cough
A cough is another common sign of COVID-19, as well as other contagious illnesses such as the flu. COVID typically causes a dry cough, while a flu cough is more productive, but a variety of sicknesses could cause either type of cough. For your own safety and that of your coworkers, call in sick.
3. Body aches or chills
Most people mount a robust immune response to illnesses, and a big part of it can be body aches and/or chills. These often, but not always, go hand in hand with a fever. Regardless of your temperature, though, achiness or chills are generally a sign that you’re sick and possibly contagious. Stay home from work.
4. Gastrointestinal symptoms
Symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea can be caused by a wide range of illnesses, from COVID-19 to stomach flu. These conditions are often highly contagious, so it’s important to stay home until you have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours.
5. Sore throat
A mildly scratchy throat could be allergies, but severe pain in your throat is likely a symptom of illness. From COVID-19 to strep throat, going to work could put your coworkers at risk. Stay home and take care of yourself rather than trying to push through.
It’s true that the symptoms of contagious illnesses, including COVID-19, can mirror those of less serious conditions. But with COVID case numbers spiking across the country, it’s up to all of us to take care of each other. Call in sick, stay home, and rest. If your symptoms don’t resolve in a day or two, call your doctor and seek COVID testing.
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