Quiz: Am I Too Sick to Go to Work? Signs You Need a Sick Day

Introduction

We've all been there - waking up with a pounding headache, upset stomach, or full-body aches that make getting out of bed feel impossible. But if you have responsibilities at work or just feel compelled to power through, how do you know when you're really too sick to go in? Making the call between resting at home or reporting for duty isn't always straightforward. While some symptoms like fever and vomiting are obvious red flags, others like fatigue or mild sore throat can seem borderline. And let's be honest - for many of us, calling in sick when you're not technically contagious also feels vaguely guilty.

So when is it acceptable to take a much-needed sick day? How ill is too ill to work? This quiz will walk you through the key signs that you should stay home and take care of yourself instead of spreading your misery to your coworkers! Read on for the top clues that you're too under the weather for work.

You Have a Fever

Running a fever is one of the clearest indicators that you're too sick to work. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines a fever as a body temperature of 100.4F (38C) or higher. Fevers are commonly caused by infectious illnesses like cold, flu, or COVID-19. So going into the office with one makes you likely to spread germs to your coworkers. Fevers can also make you feel chilled, achy, drained, and unable to concentrate - not ideal for workplace productivity!

Ask yourself:

• Did you wake up feeling feverish or with chills?
• Does your forehead feel hot to the touch?
• Have you taken your temperature and is it above 100.4F (38C)?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you most likely have a fever and should stay home to rest and recover. Fevers signal that your immune system is fighting infection, so don't ignore the warning sign!

You Feel Too Exhausted to Function

That deep feeling of body fatigue that makes the simplest tasks feel impossible is another clue that you're too sick for work. Fatigue can stem from fever, flu, infections, or simple sleep deprivation, but the end result is an utter lack of energy that makes it tough to lift your head off the pillow or hold a conversation.

Ask yourself:

• Do you feel too weak and worn out to get out of bed?
• Does the thought of sitting upright at your desk for hours feel physically impossible?
• Would it take all your energy just to shower and get dressed for work?

If you feel devoid of all energy and even little things seem insurmountable, your body is signaling that it desperately needs rest. Forcing yourself into work while utterly exhausted often makes you even sicker.

You Have Infection Symptoms

Many common infections come with symptoms that make work difficult or dangerous. If you have productive coughs, sneezing, a runny nose, or sore throat, you could spread contagious germs to coworkers. And some sinus, respiratory, or ear infections can make you feel miserable, making concentration difficult. So listen to your body and stay home if you experience:

Ask yourself:

• Do you have a fever along with cough, sore throat, or nasal congestion?
• Are you coughing up thick, colored mucus?
• Do you have ear pain, discharge, or muffled hearing?
• Is your sore throat so bad you can barely swallow?

Symptoms like these signal your immune system is battling infection and you should avoid public places like the office. Resting at home helps you recover faster.

You Have Digestive Issues

Stomach bugs striking at the wrong time can make for a disastrous workday. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps mean you should be within sprinting distance of the bathroom - not sitting through long meetings. Even milder nausea or upset stomach can make it hard to be productive. So before heading into work, take stock of:

Ask yourself:

• Have you experienced vomiting or diarrhea in the past 24 hours?
• Do you have persistent abdominal cramps or nausea?
• Do you have a fever along with digestive symptoms?

If you're battling any of these, it's best to stay home until symptoms pass. Pushing through could lead to dehydration and leave you feeling worse. Take a sick day to rest, stay hydrated, and give your GI tract a break!

You're Contagious

Some health conditions aren't about how lousy you feel - it's about the risk you pose to others. If you have contracted an illness that's highly contagious, it's critical to isolate yourself and avoid public spaces. Going to work could ignite an outbreak that affects your whole workplace. You're too contagious for work if you have:

Ask yourself:

• A laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19
• A positive rapid strep test signaling strep throat
• An active norovirus, salmonella, or other foodborne illness
• A doctor's diagnosis of something like pneumonia, bronchitis, TB, or meningitis

With proven diagnoses like these, it's vital to stay away from others until you are no longer contagious. Send coworkers a heads up, then focus on rest and recovery.

You Have Severe Body Aches

That deep muscle soreness that makes you ache all over is a compelling reason to stay in bed. While run-of-the-mill activity can aggravate mild body aches, sitting at a desk or running around the office with severe ones can be downright excruciating. Take note of aches that:

Ask yourself:

• Make it too painful to get out of bed or walk
• Feel like throbbing, constant pain instead of mild soreness
• Also come with fever, chills, and fatigue

Body aches this severe can signal flu, COVID-19, or other systemic infections. Forcing yourself to work will only worsen the discomfort. Show yourself some TLC and stay home to rest and recover.

You Can't Concentrate

Even if you aren't achy or feverish, feeling mentally foggy or spacey is a sign you're too under the weather for work. Slowed thinking, confusion, lack of focus, and impaired concentration signal that your mind and body need a break. Ask yourself:

Ask yourself:

• Is it difficult to think clearly or make decisions?
• Do you keep losing your train of thought or feel your mind wandering?
• Is it a major struggle to focus on one task?

If you're answering yes, a day of rest is likely the cure. Pushing through mental fog often worsens symptoms like headaches or fatigue. Let your mind recharge so you can return refreshed and focused.

You Have a Doctor's Note Advising Rest

If you have a medical diagnosis and doctor's orders to take a sick day, listen to them! Your physician understands your symptoms, exam results, medical history, and any test results. Follow their professional advice about illnesses like:

• Flu or viral infection with doctor's guidance to stay home and rest
• Concussion or post-concussion syndrome requiring cognitive recovery
• Infectious illnesses they advise isolating like COVID-19, mono, etc.
• Injuries like fractures or sprains needing a rest day for healing

Don't worry about "toughing it out" against your MD's orders. Take all recommended sick days - doctor's orders aren't just a helpful suggestion!

Listen to Your Body

At the end of the day, listen to the signals from your own body. You're too sick for work if:

• Symptoms disrupt your sleep or routine
• You need OTC medications just to function
• Illness would hamper your workflow or productivity
• You may spread illness to immunocompromised coworkers

Your body knows best - so if it's begging for rest, heed the call. A day of R&R helps you return healthy and focused. Overriding your symptoms often backfires by worsening or prolonging illness. So stay home and get well soon!

The Bottom Line

Deciding whether to power through or take a sick day can be tricky. But paying attention to symptoms like fever, fatigue, body aches, and mental fog is the best guide. If your illness seems contagious, your doctor advises resting, or you just feel too miserable to work, listen to the signs. Take a day to recharge so you can recover faster and avoid getting colleagues sick too. Here's wishing you health, happiness, and the occasional but well-deserved mental health day!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.