Deciding whether or not you should call insickmay be challenging.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
How Do I Know If I’m Contagious?
The following chart can help you decide if your symptoms warrant calling in sick.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
If I Have a Cold or Runny Nose?
However, many people have a runny nose (rhinorrhea) due toallergies.
Evaluate whether you feel well enough to be productive at work before calling in sick.
If I Have a Fever?
If you have afever, you are very likely to have a contagious illness.
If I Have Flu-Like or COVID-19 Symptoms?
While most people with influenza have a fever, some do not.
The CDC recommends staying home for at least four to five days after flu symptoms have started.
You are most contagious during the first three days of the flu.
If I Have Stomach Issues (Vomiting or Diarrhea)?
Vomitinganddiarrheacan be signs of contagious illness or may simply be too disruptive to get any useful work done.
You might havestomach flusuch as that brought on by the highly-contagiousnorovirus.
If I Have a Cough?
Frequent, deep coughing is disruptive to the work environment.
If I Have a Sore Throat?
A sore throat is often a sign of contagious illness, including colds,strep throat, and influenza.
In these cases, you should stay home from work.
If I Have a Headache or Migraine?
If I Have a Rash?
It’s also possible that your appearance might cause alarm if you deal with the public.
If I Have Pink Eye?
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is because of a viral or bacterial infection.
Pink eye is contagious.
If I Am Exhausted?
Extreme fatigue can be a sign of a contagious illness, such as influenza.
You will have to determine whether it warrants calling in sick.
How Long Should I Stay Out Sick?
U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics.86 percent of full-time employees had access to sick leave benefits in March 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Common colds: Protect yourself and others.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Stay Home When You Are Sick.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Flu Symptoms & Complications.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye).
