Why you should stay home when you’re sick

A recent survey by the CIPD shows a third of employers reported staff are still coming to work when they’re ill. But there comes a point when it goes beyond ‘soldiering on’ and becomes selfish. Here are some great reasons to stay home when you’re under the weather.

You can still infect others without showing symptoms
The body tries to rid itself of harmful bacteria and viruses by sneezing, coughing and vomiting, although everybody’s immune system reacts differently to exposure. However, even if you’re not showing symptoms, you can still be infectious to others.

You’re contagious longer than you’re ill
Those infected by a cold or flu are typically contagious for at least a day before displaying symptoms. Even ‘24-hour’ bugs such as norovirus can linger in the body for a few days after the initial infection subsides, even if you don’t feel sick.

How to avoid infection
Bacteria and viruses need a warm, moist environment to thrive, making the face a breeding ground for them. The mucus produced in the nose and throat is particularly dangerous and carries diseases that can survive for up to 24 hours. If somebody around you is ill, avoid touching your face after handling anything they have. If you’re sick, wash your hands regularly and wipe down surfaces with antiseptic to avoid passing it on. Research shows you’re actually less likely to infect another by kissing them on the cheek than shaking their hand.

Read the original article by the Daily Mail at dailym.ai/1J03hJq