What to Do When You're Sick Checklist

We all get sick from time to time. It happens. We catch a cold from a coworker, the flu at the grocery store or a stomach bug from our kids. When we get sick, we usually want to curl up in bed and not leave for a few days.

But that is rarely what we actually do. Most of us have responsibilities and things that have to be done whether we are sick or not.

However, some of us may occasionally have a hard time distinguishing between things that need to be done and things that really could wait. If you ever fall into that category (don't lie, you know you do), this list is for you.

When to Go to the Doctor

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

Do you know when to go to the doctor if you have cold or flu symptoms? Many people don't. It's not always obvious and many of us are tempted to just "wait it out". However, if you have these symptoms and any of them fall into the "seek medical attention" category, you need to contact your health care provider.

Know when to take your child to the doctor when she's sick. Zave Smith/Image Source/Getty Images

Figuring out when our kids are sick enough to go to the doctor can be even more difficult than deciding when to go for ourselves. Are they really as sick as they say they are? Is that fever something you should worry about? Get the answers straight from a prominent Pediatrician and you'll feel more comfortable making the right decision next time your kids are sick.

Woman with a cold. Tetra Images/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

If you want to know how to treat your cold symptoms and feel better as quickly as possible, look no further. We'll help you figure out what to do and get you on the road to recovery.

Don't go to work sick!. Photo © Dimitri Vervitsiotis/Getty Images

The flu is not just a bad cold and it can leave you feeling miserable for up to a week. If you think you have the flu, make sure you know what you should and shouldn't be doing so you can treat it correctly and recover quickly.

Should you call in sick?. Image Source/Getty Images

Knowing when to call in sick to work is always tough, especially when you have a job that won't get done if you don't do it. But sometimes it's necessary to take a day off even if it means you'll have more work when you get back. These tips can help you decide.

Should you exercise when you don't feel well?. MjDigitalArt/E+/Getty Images

Exercising is important but there are times when it could do more harm than good - both for yourself and those around you! If you have a fever, skip the workout. If you have a few cold symptoms but otherwise feel okay, you may be able to get some exercise in but it's probably best to avoid the gym so you don't end up spreading your germs to everyone there.

Is it okay to breastfeed when you are sick?. Joel Rodgers/Moment/Getty Images

When breastfeeding moms get sick, knowing what to do both for yourself and your little one can be hard. Find out if your illness is significant enough that you should stop breastfeeding or if it's best for you both to continue.

Emergency Room. 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. However, if you have flu symptoms and any of these signs, you really should go to the hospital. Otherwise, unless your doctor tells you to, try to avoid going to the ER and spreading your germs.

Flu shot clinic. patty_c/E+/Getty Images

If you are sick with a cold, should you go ahead and get a flu shot? It's important to get vaccinated against influenza so you won't get it or pass it to someone who is at high risk, but sometimes it's better to wait until you are healthy.

Pharmacist giving man a flu shot. Terry Vine/Blend Images/Getty Images

What should you do if you go to get a flu vaccine and find out you have a fever? It probably depends on how high your temperature is and what other symptoms you have. Find out what you should do if you have a fever when you want to get a flu shot and why it matters.