To work or not to work
27 Jul 2010

To work or not to work

1 mins to read
You may not want to let the workplace down, but going to work when you're sick could actually be detrimental explains Jodi Van Dyk.


With the winter months brings the inevitable cold or flu for the majority of us. (Lucky and healthy you if you manage to avoid one this season). When we get sick with a cold, we may be tempted to drag our weary and sniffling body out of bed and head off to work.  However, this may not be the best move to make when we are under the weather. 

Think about these points next time you are really unwell and think about your choice to head off to work:
  • You may be spreading germs to other colleagues - if you actively have a cold or flu your coughing and sneezing can easily spread the virus. Sneezing releases a cloud of respiratory droplets which contain these viruses. Others around you can easily breathe these in and if susceptible become infected. Or they may fall onto surfaces to be picked up by unsuspecting colleagues that touch these and rub their eyes or their mouth.
  • Heading to work sick may actually increase the amount of time that you spend away from work. Some research has shown that going to work ill may increase the chance of another day off due to illness down the track. By taking that one day of work you will more than likely be assisting your recovery. By staying at home and resting, rather than working through, you can get back to work earlier.
  • Heading off to work may also have more impact on your immune system, meaning you could lower your immunity and leave yourself open for more colds and flu and potentially more days off work.

So next time you are feeling under the weather, think about taking a day to recovery before heading out and off to work.


Jodi Van Dyk is a fully qualified practicing naturopath. Prior to becoming a naturopath she studied a Bachelor of Science at the University of Sydney and worked as a microbiologist in a large hospital pathology laboratory for 5 years. She is passionate about natural medicine and teaching those around her the benefits of approaching health from a perspective of prevention whilst using natural approaches.



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