Bad cold should i go to work

Faster Than You Think. But you have to consider where you work. Some factors that might make it worth your while to stay home, even if you think you could get to the end of the day, include:. Your medications interfere with your job. This is an instance where you have to know yourself. Some people can take a cold or flu medication without side effects while others find themselves struggling with daytime sleepiness and foggy thinking.

Antihistamines are particularly likely to cause this response, as are any medications that advertise their ability to help you sleep at night. One option is to go to work and operate on a reduced schedule. Your kids are getting sick.

Children aged 6 to 12 should take them for no longer than 5 days. Be careful not to use cough and cold medicines if you're taking paracetamol and ibuprofen tablets. Cough and cold medicines often also contain paracetamol and ibuprofen so it can be easy to take more than the recommended dose. There's little evidence that supplements such as vitamin C, echinacea or garlic prevent colds or speed up recovery. Call a pharmacy or contact them online before going in person.

You can get medicines delivered or ask someone to collect them. GPs do not recommend antibiotics for colds because they will not relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, and colds are caused by viruses. Colds are caused by viruses and easily spread to other people. You're infectious until all your symptoms have gone. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks.

Colds are usually mild, but they can sometimes lead to complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Shop for nasal decongestant sprays. Your sneezing, sniffling nose, and watery eyes might not be contagious at all. If they happen at certain times of the year like spring and they stick around for a few weeks or months, you could have allergies. Allergies can be triggered by irritants in your environment such as:. Shop for antihistamines. Most respiratory infections clear up within a few days.

Stay home until you feel better. Also, hold off on returning to work if your treatments are causing side effects such as excessive drowsiness. You might have a bacterial infection that needs treatment with an antibiotic.

Learn more about the ways you can treat a stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, at home, including tips on decongestants, humidifiers, and steam remedies. Steam inhalers are used as personal saunas for skin care or supporting respiratory health.

We created a list of steam inhalers to suit your needs. You may have heard that you can sweat out a cold, but is this an effective remedy? Learn more here. Typically, postnasal drip can be alleviated at home. Try these remedies and OTC products to relieve your symptoms. Salt water gargles are touted as an effective and easy home remedy for a sore throat. We explain why, plus additional benefits. Can apple cider vinegar be used for colds? We explain the benefits of apple cider vinegar, and what the science says about it treating the common cold.

What does research say about whether you should exercise with a cold? Learn what you should and shouldn't do, and how you can help yourself recover…. When you have a cold, you may have a hard time sleeping well due to congestion, coughing, or a runny nose. Some medications may help you sleep better…. A healthy diet is key to flu prevention and a working immune system.

Check out these easy-to-make drinks that contain the essential nutrients. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.