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The big dilemma - when is a cold bad enough to keep you home from work or school? There are people at both extremes - those who stay home with a very slight sniffle, and those who go to work or school with a fever and infectious throat! But it is hard to know when to stay home unless you have some good, basic information about colds.

Analyze your particular situation and decide not only what is best for you, but what is best for those around you.

1. The first and most important question is, "Do I have a fever"? If the answer is "yes", then you should definitely stay at home. Fighting a fever is best done with plenty of fluids and rest. Fever usually signifies some type of infection and you most likely will spread germs to others.

2. A cold accompanied by a sore throat can be serious. If you have been exposed to, or suspect that you have strept throat, you should see a doctor. This is a highly infectious condition that can spread rapidly to others. Washing your hands often helps, but it is still contagious.

3. If you have a cold which also includes serious congestion, requiring you to blow your nose frequently, or which causes you to sneeze often, then you should consider staying at home for the day. Germs are spread rapidly through sneezing.

4. Some colds are also accompanied by headaches, and other aches and pains. This could be a sign of flu or other conditions. Watch these symptoms carefully and if they escalate, or become extremely painful, call your doctor. Trying to go to work or school with achiness and a cold is not recommended as your recovery time will be longer if you don't get proper fluids and rest.

5. Often a cold will keep you up at night and you are unable to get a good night's rest. Going to work or school without proper rest will be worse when you have a cold than it normally is. Consider staying at home if you still have congestion and are coughing, and have not gotten rest the night before due to your cold. Spend the time at home drinking fluids and getting some much needed rest.

Making a decision about whether or not to go to work or school when you have a cold can be stressful. But if you use your common sense and pay attention to the medical literature about colds and flu, you will be able to make the best decision for you and those with whom you come in contact. After you evaluate your personal situation and make a decision, it is important that you continue to take care of yourself - whether you're at work or at home.

Two of the most important things you can do at home and at work or school are (1) to drink plenty of fluids, and (2) wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading germs and infection. Your friends and coworkers will appreciate your consideration!

Learn more about this author, Rhonda Day.
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