Key takeaways:
Going to work when you’re sick isn't good for you or your colleagues. Most people don’t work well when they’re sick. And working through an illness can slow down your recovery.
A good rule of thumb is to return to work after you’ve been feeling better for at least 24 hours.
You should call or text your manager as soon as you know you’re unable to work. Give them clear facts and keep them up-to-date. You don't need to share specifics.
Going to work when you’re sick used to be seen as a sign of dedication to your job. These days, though, more employers understand that working while you’re sick isn’t a good idea. And working through illness doesn’t make you a better employee. For starters, most people can’t perform well at their jobs when they’re sick. And going to work when you’re sick can cause your coworkers to get sick too.
So, how do you decide whether to stay home? How you feel is an important factor. But other factors matter too — like whether you’re contagious and the nature of your job.
If you have a contagious illness like a cold or the flu, you should stay home, even if your symptoms are mild. This helps prevent spreading it to others.
And consider your work environment. If your job is physically demanding or puts you in close contact with others, it’s usually best to stay home until you’re well enough to work safely and comfortably.
If you’re still not sure if you should stay home from work, here are 14 signs that you’re too sick to go to work
1. Fever and chills
You might wonder, “Can I go to work with a fever?” If you feel unwell and have an elevated temperature, you should stay home. A fever is a sign that your body is working hard to fight an illness or infection. And many of the conditions that cause fever — like COVID-19 and influenza — are contagious.
2. Diarrhea
If you’ve just started having diarrhea, you should stay home. Viral gastroenteritis is highly contagious, so it’s best to stay at home until at least 24 hours after your symptoms have resolved. Practice excellent hand hygiene so you don’t infect others.
3. Vomiting
Like diarrhea, vomiting is a common symptom of viral gastroenteritis, which is highly contagious. What’s more, it's hard to work when you’re nauseated or vomiting. If you’re vomiting, you should stay home — and remain home until at least 24 hours after your last episode. Again, careful handwashing and hygiene are important to protect the people you live with.
4. Coughing and sneezing
If you have a new cough and/or sneezing, it’s a good idea to stay home. Cough and sneezing are effective ways for viruses to spread from person to person. Upper respiratory symptoms caused by a virus are different from seasonal allergies. With a cold or flu virus, coughing and sneezing symptoms tend to start suddenly, worsen over a few days, and then improve.
5. Body aches
If you have new body aches — especially if they’re accompanied by fatigue — it’s a good sign to go home until you feel better. Body aches are common in many contagious illnesses, and they may be one of the earlier signs that you’re coming down with a virus. Common examples include:
Various types of Influenza (flu)
COVID
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Viruses that cause the common cold (like rhinovirus, enterovirus, and parainfluenza, to name a few)
6. The ‘setback’
This is when you get sick, stay home, and then go back to work too quickly — and feel worse the following day. It's a sign your body needs more rest. Listen to your body’s clues and stay home until you feel completely recovered for a full 24 hours.
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7. Pink eye
If you have a red-tinged eye with goopy discharge, it’s best to stay home until you’ve had a visit with a healthcare professional. Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is highly contagious, and you can pass it on to your coworkers easily. You also want to protect the people you live with. So avoid touching your eyes, don’t share towels, and wash your hands frequently.
8. Wheezing and shortness of breath
Noisy breathing and trouble catching your breath are reasons to not go to work — and seek medical care. These symptoms can signal a more serious respiratory illness than your typical cold.
If you also have a productive (wet) cough, you may have a lower respiratory tract infection, otherwise known as pneumonia. This may require antibiotics for treatment.
Conditions that can cause wheezing and shortness of breath include:
9. Bladder infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs)
If you’re experiencing painful, burning, frequent urination — or notice blood in your urine — you shouldn’t go to work. These are signs you might have a urinary tract infection (UTI). If you have UTI symptoms, it’s a good idea to see a health professional sooner rather than later. That’s because symptoms can worsen quickly and may lead to more serious infections, including kidney infections.
Starting antibiotics early can prevent complications and speed recovery. So, even if you feel like you can make it through the work day, it’s important to prioritize medical care and getting started on treatment if necessary.
10. Vertigo
Sometimes, people try to drive to work during an episode of vertigo (room-spinning sensation). Even though vertigo isn’t contagious, you should stay home for your safety — both at work and during your commute. If symptoms start while you’re at work, don’t drive yourself home. Ask a friend, or use a taxi or rideshare service instead.
And, if vertigo is a new symptom for you, it might be a good idea to seek medical help, especially for older adults. Vertigo can sometimes be a symptom of more serious conditions.
11. Tonsillitis or laryngitis
When your tonsils or larynx are inflamed, it can make speaking difficult or painful. Most cases of tonsillitis and laryngitis are caused by contagious viruses, and they’ll improve on their own. But some — like strep throat — require antibiotics.
If you have a sore throat, hoarseness, or have lost your voice, it’s best to stay home, especially if speaking is painful or difficult. Stay home until your symptoms improve and you can speak comfortably without strain.
12. Heavy menstruation or premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Menstrual bleeding is a normal part of the cycle for people with a uterus. Some periods come with pain and/or heavy bleeding, and symptoms can vary from month to month. These symptoms can be debilitating. Though they’ve often been minimized by work places in the past, that’s changing. If your cramps or flow are making it hard to work, stay home and rest.
13. Headaches or migraines
Headaches and migraines can be difficult to manage at work. Even a mild headache can affect your ability to concentrate, especially if your job involves looking at a screen. And for people who experience migraines, the symptoms can be severe, making work impossible. If your headache or migraine is making it hard for you to do your job, you should rest and take some time away from screens while you recover.
14. Mental health
Mental health is just as important as physical health. If symptoms of depression or anxiety are interfering with your ability to focus or function at work, it’s OK to stay home and focus on your well-being.
This can be hard to do — to take off work when you don’t have physical symptoms. But mental health symptoms deserve just as much time and rest, if not more. Consider reaching out to your primary care provider or a mental health professional for support.
How to tell your boss you’re sick and not going to work
It can be tough to decide whether you’re too sick to work, especially if you can or do work from home. But once you’ve made that decision, you’ll need to let your manager know.
Even when you know you’re too sick to work, it can be hard to know what to say. But remember that you can keep it simple and direct, and you don’t need to provide details. You don’t need to go into detail. Keep it brief and professional.
Here are a few simple examples you can use by phone, text, or email:
“I’m sick and unable to work today.”
“I can’t come to work today. I have [respiratory, stomach, or flu-like] symptoms. I’ll let you know when I’m better.”
“I’ve tested positive for COVID-19. I [do/don’t] have symptoms. I’ll return when it’s safe.”
Which symptoms must be reported to a manager?
In some places, you don’t have to report any symptoms at all. For example, in New York state, employers aren’t allowed to ask about your specific symptoms when you’re sick. You can simply say you’re taking sick leave.
You also generally don’t need to provide a doctor’s note unless you’re out for 3 or more consecutive work days. But laws vary by location. Some states or cities may allow employers to ask for limited information. So, if your boss is asking for details, check the rules where you live.
Frequently asked questions
Calling in sick can be awkward for a few reasons. What’s going on in your body is a personal matter. Plus, it’s normal to want your boss to know you’re a hard worker. Nobody wants their employer to think that they’re calling in sick out of laziness or a desire to skip work. But remember, getting sick is a normal part of life, and everyone gets sick at some point. So, when you aren’t feeling well, be honest with yourself and your employer. Staying home will help you recover faster, and it’ll prevent others from getting sick too.
Yes, sleep deprivation can be serious. If lack of sleep is severe enough to affect your ability to work safely or effectively, call in sick. Getting no sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability, and poor concentration. This can make it hard to do your job, especially if your work requires focus, decision-making, or physical safety. In most cases, you don’t need to explain that you didn’t sleep. Simply saying that you’re not feeling well is enough.
Calling in sick can be awkward for a few reasons. What’s going on in your body is a personal matter. Plus, it’s normal to want your boss to know you’re a hard worker. Nobody wants their employer to think that they’re calling in sick out of laziness or a desire to skip work. But remember, getting sick is a normal part of life, and everyone gets sick at some point. So, when you aren’t feeling well, be honest with yourself and your employer. Staying home will help you recover faster, and it’ll prevent others from getting sick too.
Yes, sleep deprivation can be serious. If lack of sleep is severe enough to affect your ability to work safely or effectively, call in sick. Getting no sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability, and poor concentration. This can make it hard to do your job, especially if your work requires focus, decision-making, or physical safety. In most cases, you don’t need to explain that you didn’t sleep. Simply saying that you’re not feeling well is enough.
The bottom line
When you’re not feeling well, it can sometimes be stressful to decide whether you should stay home from work or not. But remember that staying home from work doesn’t mean you’re irresponsible or lazy. When you’re feeling unwell, it’s important to stay home so you can rest and recover. This is better for your health — and it protects your coworkers if you have a contagious illness.
Keep it brief and professional when you let your employer know you can’t come in. And then turn your focus to your own needs so you can get better.
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References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About handwashing.
New York State. (n.d.). New York paid sick leave.
