Several companies have enacted return-to-office mandates as of January 2025, which means remote and hybrid work schedules are about to end for a slew of workers.
Folks returning to fully in-person work schedules are in for a big transition – and a higher risk of exposure to colds and flu, stomach bugs, COVID and other contagious illnesses. If you end up being on the receiving end of one of those unsavory infections, knowing when to make the call to go to work and when to stay home may not be easy or obvious.
Should I go to work when I'm sick?
Everyone gets sick – even the most dedicated workers. And while you might think you should push through and stay on the job when you come down with something, you’re not doing yourself or the people you work with any favors by toughing it out. When you have a contagious illness and opt to stay home, it not only keeps your colleagues from getting sick, it also gives you a chance to rest, recover and get back on the job.
If you’re experiencing mild symptoms, it’s probably ok to go to work. For example, if you have the sniffles or a throat tickle but feel fine otherwise, you may just have seasonal allergies.
Symptoms of a contagious illness are another story.
The most common signs that you have something that could be contagious and warrants a sick day include:
- A fever of 100° F or higher.
- Diarrhea and vomiting.
- A cough that produces phlegm.
- Sore throat.
- Headache and/or body aches
- Any other symptoms that affect your ability to focus or function. Working while sick can increase the likelihood of accidents, which can put you and your co-workers at risk. Studies also show that working while sick can reduce productivity.
If you need some help decoding your symptoms, check out Indigo’s handy symptom chart.
What if I start to feel sick when I’m at work?
If you start to feel unwell at work, be sure to notify your manager or supervisor and let them know what’s going on. If you have a fever, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, it’s likely that you’ll be sent home.
If you're unable to leave work immediately, take steps to protect others and ease your symptoms:
- Minimize contact with people to reduce the spread of germs.
- Find a place to rest, like an employee lounge, unused office or meeting space.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Try over-the-counter medications to relieve your symptoms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that workers who have flu symptoms when they arrive at work or become ill during the day should promptly separate themselves from other workers and go home.
Can my employer force me to work when I’m sick?
It may seem obvious that you’re too sick to go to work, but some companies have some pretty strict policies in place about taking time off. That said, most employers know that working while you’re sick probably isn’t a good idea. You’re not only less likely to perform well at your job, but you’re also putting the health other workers (and customers) at risk.
Review – and make sure you understand – your employer’s sick leave policies, including the specific steps you need to take to report your illness and any documentation you might need from a healthcare provider.
If you feel like you’re being pressured to work when you’re sick or think you’re being penalized for calling out sick, speak with your supervisor or HR representative.
When should I return to work after being sick?
According to the CDC, you should stay home from work for at least 24 hours after a fever of 100° F (or above) is gone without taking fever-reducing medicines.
Once you return to work and other normal daily activities, the CDC also recommends taking additional steps for the next five days to prevent the spread of illness. That includes:
- Practicing good hygiene, including hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning high-touch surfaces.
- Wearing a well-fitting mask.
- Keeping your distance from others whenever possible.
- Getting tested for respiratory viruses.
Those suggestions also go for COVID. The CDC updated and simplified its COVID recommendations in 2024 to mirror its guidance around other respiratory infections.
If you come back to work too soon and you’re still contagious, you may experience a setback that keeps you out of work even longer.
If you continue to have symptoms of a contagious illness after five days, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a healthcare provider.
Should I call out sick if I’m struggling with mental health issues?
Your emotional well-being is just as important as your physical health. If depression, anxiety or severe stress are affecting your ability to work, it may be time for a mental health day to rest and recover.
If you’re struggling, Indigo Virtual Care is a great first step to better mental health. Same or next-day appointments are available, in most cases.
During your virtual visit, an Indigo clinician will:
- Offer self-treatment recommendations around diet, exercise, sleep improvement and other lifestyle changes.
- Prescribe medication, if needed, to ease stress-related symptoms.
- Coordinate a referral to a mental health professional, if necessary.
Just like the convenient in-person care we offer at our Indigo Urgent Care locations, Indigo Virtual Care is available every day from 8 am to 8 pm.
If you think your job may be taking a toll on your mental health, it may be time to take stock. Learn more about work-related mental health issues.
What can I do to prepare for a healthy return to the workplace?
Here are some ways you can stay healthy and protect yourselves and others as you transition back to the office:
- Get your flu and COVID vaccines. By far, getting vaccinated is the best protection. Even if you still get sick, staying up to date on vaccines significantly lowers the risk of severe illness.
- Focus on a quality sleep routine. If you need to tweak your sleep schedule, start a week or two before your return date. Make 15 to 30 minute adjustments over several nights to get used to falling asleep and waking up at the desired time. The National Sleep Foundation offers some additional tips for getting a good night’s sleep.
- Boost your immune system. Eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise and drink plenty of water.
- Get moving when you take your breaks. Even a little movement will go a long way. Stretch, take a walk around the office, practice deep breathing techniques, or get outside for some fresh air and natural light.
- Embrace social interaction. Even though you’re back among your co-workers, sitting at your desk or staying in your workspace all day can lead to feelings of isolation. Connect with colleagues during meetings or breaks, and opt for in-person conversations versus email, Zoom or texts.
- Take precautions to stop the spread of germs. That dusty COVID playbook is about to come in handy. These simple prevention strategies are still the most effective ways to keep yourself health and prevent the spread of infections:
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- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough/sneeze into your elbow.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, which are gateways for germs.
- Keep some disinfectant wipes in your work space and frequently wipe down high-touch surfaces.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick and keep your distance from others if you think you might be contagious.
- If you’re sick, stay home.
Indigo can help you work out what to do when you’re feeling sick
If you’re dealing with the uncomfortable symptoms of a bug that you can’t kick at home with rest and over the counter medications, Indigo is here to help you feel better – and get you back to work.
From colds and flu to sprains and strains, Indigo treats most minor illnesses and injuries. And we make it easy and convenient to get urgent care you need – not just during work hours.
For in-person care, simply walk into or book an online appointment at one of our convenient neighborhood locations.
To get care from the comfort of home (or wherever you are), you can also schedule an Indigo online care visit. Either way, we’re here from 8 am to 8 pm every day, including holidays and weekends.
One of our friendly providers will evaluate your symptoms, offer treatment recommendations and provide a prescription, if needed. All of our clinics offer rapid flu and COVID testing, giving you results within minutes.
