Every year, as cold and flu season approaches, the question arises – when should you stay home from work or school? There are different schools of thought on this matter, with some people believing that it’s better to stay home as soon as any symptoms appear, while others argue that it’s okay to continue with your daily routines as long as you take precautions and don’t feel too sick. Here are some of the different opinions on cold/flu symptoms, and when they require you to stay home:.

When you have a fever

A fever is a common symptom of both cold and flu, and it can be a sign that your body is fighting off infection.

However, some people believe that a fever is not necessarily a reason to stay home, as long as it’s low-grade and you’re not experiencing any other symptoms. Others argue that any fever warrants a day or two off from work or school, in order to allow your body to recover and avoid spreading the virus to others.

When you have a cough, runny nose, and sore throat

These three symptoms are common in both cold and flu, and they can be annoying and uncomfortable.

However, some people feel that they are not severe enough to warrant staying home, as long as you take precautions like coughing into your elbow, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding close contact with others. Others argue that these symptoms can be highly contagious and can spread quickly, so it’s best to stay home until they have cleared up.

When you have gastrointestinal symptoms

Stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, can also be caused by viruses, and it can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Some people feel that these symptoms are not severe enough to stay home, as long as you can keep them under control and avoid contact with others. Others argue that these symptoms can spread very easily and can be dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, so it’s best to play it safe and stay home until they have passed.

When you feel fatigued or achy

Fatigue and body aches are common symptoms of both cold and flu, and they can make it difficult to focus or perform daily activities.

Some people feel that it’s okay to continue with your routine as long as you can manage your symptoms and don’t feel too tired or uncomfortable. Others argue that these symptoms can be a sign of a more severe illness, and it’s best to stay home until you have recovered completely.

When you have been exposed to someone with cold/flu

If you have been in close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of cold or flu, you may wonder if you should stay home to avoid spreading the virus to others.

Some people believe that it’s not necessary to stay home as long as you don’t have any symptoms, as you may not have been infected at all. Others argue that it’s best to stay home for a few days after exposure, just to be safe and avoid spreading the virus to others.

When you have a confirmed diagnosis of cold/flu

If you have been diagnosed with cold or flu, it’s important to stay home until you have recovered completely, in order to avoid spreading the virus to others.

Most people recommend staying home for at least 24 hours after your fever has subsided, and until your symptoms have improved significantly. You should also follow good hygiene practices like frequent hand-washing and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, in order to prevent the spread of the virus to others.

When to seek medical attention

If you have symptoms of cold or flu that are severe or do not improve after a few days, it’s important to seek medical attention. This can include symptoms like high fever, severe cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or dizziness.

In some cases, these symptoms may be a sign of a more serious illness, and prompt medical attention is necessary to prevent complications or spread of the virus to others.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when to stay home with cold or flu symptoms. The decision should be based on your individual symptoms, their severity, and your potential to spread the virus to others.

By following good hygiene practices and staying home when necessary, you can help prevent the spread of cold and flu and keep yourself and others healthy.