5 Things to Do When You Are Sick

Life goes on when you're sick. But if you have cold symptoms, there are some things worth skipping, as well as "to dos" that can help you get better. Your body needs rest to recover. And while it's important to focus on your health, you should also be sure you're doing all you can to keep those around you from catching what you have.

These five tips will help you figure out what you should do when you're sick—and what can wait until you're on the mend.

Understand When to Call the Doctor

Doctor talking to patient in exam room — John Fedele / Blend Images / Getty Images

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

Significant abdominal pain that's persisted 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
A fever over 100.4 degrees F accompanied by congestion

Spare Your Coworkers and Call Out

Sick woman laying on sofa talking on telephone — Tom Merton / Getty Images

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

man working out holding head — MjDigitalArt / E+ / Getty Images

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 OK, you may be able to get some light exercise in if you feel inclined, but 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

Arrow pointing to emergency department — ERproductions Ltd / Blend Images / Getty Images

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 that 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 and see your doctor if your symptoms persist. Avoiding the ER unless you need it helps save resources, but it also saves you from exposure more other germs.

Discuss Delaying Your Flu Shot

Flu shot sign — patty_c / E + / Getty Images

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 make recovering from your illness take longer.

Talk with your doctor 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.