by Stephanie Costello

Created on: May 22, 2009   Last Updated: May 29, 2009

Staying home from work due to sickness isn't always an easy decision to make. Bosses frown upon employees taking time off to nurse simple illnesses such as the common cold. Some even require verification from a physician that you are, in fact sick. Unless you have really good health insurance, you could be strapped with a costly bill. Given what may be at stake, how do you know when you should stay home? If you suffer from any of the ten following symptoms or illnesses, please do yourself and your colleagues a favor and stay in bed!

Fever

A fever indicates that your immune system has detected, and is fighting an infection. Infections are most often contagious. However, some diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus and similar chronic conditions also cause fever but are not contagious. Unless you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, assume you are highly infectious and stay home. Drink plenty of fluids and take acetaminophen for any discomfort. Fevers are not the enemy however, and need not be treated unless they become uncomfortable or continue to climb past 102 F.

Cough

Every time you cough you subject everyone around you to the germs that are causing it. Even if you cover your mouth with your hand or a tissue, small invisible amounts of sputum will still be floating in the air. If you neglect to wash you hands immediately, every surface you touch will then be crawling with heat seeking germs looking for a new host. Bronchitis or pneumonia may be responsible and need to be treated with strong antibiotics before the infection becomes critical. Better to wait until it's well under control and return when you can breathe easier.

Body Aches

Usually accompanied by fever and chills, that feeling that you were just run over by a truck is known as the flu and it can be deadly-no matter what strain it is-for some people. See your doctor immediately. Your boss will understand and be grateful that you had the courtesy not to infect the others who work for him. Consult your physician, who is probably already familiar with the illness by now and will tell you the best course of action.

Sore Throat

Sore throats are fairly common and can sometimes be the result of natural gas or propane heating sources in the home. Other times sleeping with your mouth open instead of breathing through your nose may be the culprit. In either case it should disappear within an hour of waking. A sore throat accompanied by redness and swelling or

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