Common Cold: Too Sick To Work?
Common Cold: Too Sick To Work?
You wake up in the morning and you're not feeling so great. Maybe sneezing is your No. 1 problem. Or you've got a doozy of a headache. Whatever is bothering you, you've got a decision to make: Stay home or head to work?
Take stock of your symptoms and see if they meet this commonsense standard for calling in sick:
The Truth Behind Mom's Cold and Flu Advice
Mothers are celebrated (if sometimes vilified) for their eagerness to advise their children on matters big and small: how to behave, what to wear, whom to marry, when to have kids ... and, oh yes, how to stay healthy during cold and flu season.Does science back up what Dr. Mom told you about the common cold? Or was she full of hot air? Here's what real doctors have to say about 10 familiar cold-busting tips:
Read the The Truth Behind Mom's Cold and Flu Advice article > >
If you've the sniffles, but you're not achy or feverish and feel fine otherwise, you probably have allergies. It's OK to go to work.
You can turn to several over-the-counter medicines to treat mild allergies. But keep in mind that some medications, such as diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine, can make you sleepy. Drugs with less of this side effect include loratidine and cetirizine.
If your hay fever is severe or doesn't get better with antihistamines, you might want to see an allergist. He can do tests to find out what's triggering the problem. He may recommend allergy shots to reduce your symptoms.
For in-depth information, see Allergy or Cold Symptoms?
If your clothes are getting drenched, you most likely have a fever. Make sure you drink plenty of liquids. Consider seeing your doctor, especially if your temperature is over 102 degrees F. That could be a sign that you have the flu. Stay away from work -- and friends -- until you feel better.
If you have a fever plus white patches on your tonsils, you may have strep throat. It's highly contagious and you may need an antibiotic. Call your doctor for a test that can confirm the diagnosis.
For in-depth information, see Sore Throat: Cold, Strep Throat, or Tonsillitis?
Take stock of your symptoms and see if they meet this commonsense standard for calling in sick:
Recommended Related to Cold & Flu
The Truth Behind Mom's Cold and Flu Advice
Mothers are celebrated (if sometimes vilified) for their eagerness to advise their children on matters big and small: how to behave, what to wear, whom to marry, when to have kids ... and, oh yes, how to stay healthy during cold and flu season.Does science back up what Dr. Mom told you about the common cold? Or was she full of hot air? Here's what real doctors have to say about 10 familiar cold-busting tips:
Read the The Truth Behind Mom's Cold and Flu Advice article > >
Sniffling
If you've the sniffles, but you're not achy or feverish and feel fine otherwise, you probably have allergies. It's OK to go to work.
You can turn to several over-the-counter medicines to treat mild allergies. But keep in mind that some medications, such as diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine, can make you sleepy. Drugs with less of this side effect include loratidine and cetirizine.
If your hay fever is severe or doesn't get better with antihistamines, you might want to see an allergist. He can do tests to find out what's triggering the problem. He may recommend allergy shots to reduce your symptoms.
For in-depth information, see Allergy or Cold Symptoms?
Chills and Sweats
If your clothes are getting drenched, you most likely have a fever. Make sure you drink plenty of liquids. Consider seeing your doctor, especially if your temperature is over 102 degrees F. That could be a sign that you have the flu. Stay away from work -- and friends -- until you feel better.
If you have a fever plus white patches on your tonsils, you may have strep throat. It's highly contagious and you may need an antibiotic. Call your doctor for a test that can confirm the diagnosis.
For in-depth information, see Sore Throat: Cold, Strep Throat, or Tonsillitis?
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