Going to Work Sick Will Infect More People Than You Think

If you're lucky, you have an understanding boss when it comes to calling in sick but it seems that most bosses are not happy and make you feel guilty when you make that dreaded phone call, saying you're not coming in to work.  New research indicates that you should NOT tough it out as your boss would like you to do and come into work.  Scientists at the University of Arizona found that an entire office can become infected with a sick person's germs - all by lunchtime. 

One of the researchers, Charles Gerba, says "Most people think it's coughing and sneezing that spreads germs, but the number of objects you touch is incredible, especially in this push-button generation."

So, now you probably want to know when you are contagious?  Well, when it comes to the flu, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that "Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick."  I know what you're thinking.  "I can't take THAT much time off from work!"  We're lucky if we get a day or two, right?  Well, this is what you can do: wash your hands often and when it comes to the flue, get vaccinated.  That can help stop the spreading of nasty germs.