Should You Go To Work With A Cold

So, You've Woken Up With A Snotty Nose And A Throat Drier Than The Sahara. Should You Drag Your Miserable Self To Work?

Alright, let's start with the elephant in the room. You're not actually an elephant, right? Because if you are, you've got bigger problems than whether to go to work with a cold. But I digress.

Now, picture this. You're sitting at your desk, eyes watering like a leaky faucet, nose running like a marathon, and you're trying to look professional. You're basically a human waterfall, and your coworkers are starting to look like Noah, building an ark in the corner.

Let's Talk Numbers

First things first, let's get some facts straight. The common cold is caused by over 200 viruses, with the rhinovirus being the most common culprit. That's right, there are 200 reasons why you're feeling like a zombie crossed with a sneezing machine.

Now, here's a fun fact for you. The average adult gets two to three colds a year. That's like having a part-time job as a snot factory. Kids, on the other hand, are like full-time snot factories, getting an average of eight to ten colds a year. So, if you're feeling sorry for yourself, just remember, it could be worse. You could be a kid.

But Should You Go To Work?

Alright, let's get down to business. Should you drag your sorry self to work, or should you call in sick and spend the day binge-watching Netflix with a box of tissues for a blanket?

Well, it depends. Are you contagious? If you're sneezing and coughing up a storm, you're probably spreading more germs than a petri dish. In that case, it's probably best to stay home. Your coworkers will thank you for not turning the office into a giant Petri dish.

What To Wear To Work In Cold Weather at Hilda Connor blog

But if you're just feeling a bit under the weather, with no symptoms that would make you the star of a horror movie, then it's up to you. Some people power through, others take a sick day. It's a personal choice, like whether to have coffee or tea in the morning.

The Myth Of The 'Hero' Worker

Let's talk about the 'hero' worker. You know the one. They come to work sick, because they're 'dedicated' and 'committed'. Newsflash: You're not a hero. You're just spreading germs. It's like bringing a bag of trash to a party and calling it a 'surprise'. It's not a surprise, it's just gross.

So, let's retire the 'hero' worker myth. It's not brave to come to work sick. It's not dedicated. It's just rude. So, do us all a favor. If you're sick, stay home. Let your body fight the good fight without having to battle office germs too.

But What If...?

But what if you can't take a sick day? What if you're self-employed, or your job doesn't offer sick leave? What if you're just really, really bad at asking for help?

CPWR Protect Yourself from the Cold

Well, first of all, let's address the help issue. You're not a superhero. You can't do everything alone. So, swallow your pride, pick up that phone, and call someone. It's not a sign of weakness, it's a sign of humanity.

As for the sick leave issue, that's a bit trickier. If you're self-employed, consider this your reminder to start a savings fund for sick days. It's like a vacation fund, but for when you're too sick to enjoy a vacation. And if your job doesn't offer sick leave, well, that's a conversation you need to have with your boss. But that's a story for another time.

So, What's The Verdict?

Alright, let's wrap this up. Should you go to work with a cold? If you're contagious, no. If you're just feeling a bit under the weather, it's up to you. But remember, it's not brave to come to work sick. It's just rude. So, do your coworkers a favor. If you're sick, stay home. Let your body fight the good fight, and let the rest of us fight the good fight against office germs.

And if all else fails, remember this. You're not an elephant. You don't need to trudge through the office like a one-ton cold machine. You're a human. You've got choices. So, make the right one. Stay home. Binge-watch Netflix. And for goodness' sake, blow your nose.