5 Things to Do When You're Sick

Understand When to Call a Healthcare Provider

Sometimes it's fine to rest and let your cold symptoms pass. Other times, it's a better idea to contact your healthcare provider. Some symptoms worth calling your healthcare provider about include:

• Significant abdominal pain that's lasted for 24 to 48 hours
• A headache accompanied by fever, a stiff neck, or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• A sore throat that makes swallowing difficult
• Painful coughing or chest tightness when you breathe
• For adults, a fever of 103 or higher; for infants, a fever of 100.4 or higher

Spare Your Coworkers and Call Out

It can be tough to know when to call in sick. But if you have these symptoms, it's better for you and your coworkers if you stay home and rest:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Contagious rash
• Exhaustion

Don't Be Afraid to Skip Your Workout

Exercise is important, but there are times when it could do more harm than good—both for you and those around you. If you have a fever, skip exercise until it breaks.

If you have a few cold symptoms but otherwise feel fine, you may be able to get in some light exercise. Still, it's best to avoid the gym so you don't spread your illness to those around you. Always listen to your body and remember that rest is important, too.

Save the ER for Emergencies

A lot of people go to the emergency room when they have the flu, even though they don't really need to be there. Although influenza makes you feel terrible, chances are good it's not a true emergency.

The following are signs and symptoms that should prompt a trip to the hospital:

• Difficulty breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or severe abdominal pain
• Severe muscle pain
• Confusion
• Sudden dizziness
• Severe vomiting or vomiting that won't stop
• Not urinating
• Fever or cough that worsens or comes back after improving

If you're not experiencing these, but are just feeling miserable, try self-care strategies. See your healthcare provider if your symptoms persist. Avoiding the ER unless you need it helps save resources, but it also saves you from exposure to other germs.

Discuss Delaying Your Flu Shot

It's important to get a flu shot every year, but you may want to wait until you're healthy. In some cases, getting vaccinated while you're sick could lead to a longer recovery time.

Talk with your healthcare provider about your symptoms before getting vaccinated. If nothing else, getting a flu shot assists with herd immunity, which can prevent others with compromised immune systems from getting the flu.