Should You Go To Work With Cold And Flu?

So you’ve got a loogy, the dreaded cold and flu. A runny nose, sore throat and a mild cough. Just a cold right? But should you still go to work?

Even though you may feel guilty staying at home, or there may be financial pressures to attend work, it’s not advisable to go when you are unwell. You’re most contagious within the first few days, even if you don’t feel too unwell. Your employer will thank you for not spreading your infection to the rest of the workforce.

At the start of a cold, minimize contact with others, particularly those who are vulnerable or at high risk such as pregnant women and people with chronic diseases.

It’s also important to get a COVID-19 rapid antigen test, as cold and flu symptoms can be identical. Even with mild symptoms, it’s important to get tested for COVID-19 immediately.

It’s also possible that these are symptoms of the flu. Influenza can be really serious. It’s important to learn about the symptoms and how to look after yourself at home.

So, to stay healthy during the cold and flu season, follow these steps:

Keep your annual flu vaccine up to date

Get vaccinated early, before the flu becomes widespread. Vaccinations are advised for everyone aged 6 months and older. Check your flu vaccine eligibility here.

Limit contact with others when you have cold and flu

Colds and flu are highly contagious. Sneezing and coughing releases tiny virus-containing droplets that can infect others through the air or by touching contaminated surfaces.

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer to minimise spread of the virus.

Rest

Influenza can cause fever, coughing, fatigue, body aches, headaches, and vomiting (especially in children). Colds share similar symptoms but typically don’t involve body aches, pain, fever, or vomiting.

Rest up and drink plenty of vitamin C.

Use pharmacy medicines to keep comfortable

Paracetamol for fever and sore throat, decongestants such as Sudafed and keep well hydrated with rehydration solutions. Chemists’ Own provides quality Australian brand medications for sore throats, coughs, blocked noses, pain, or fever.

With Medmate, you simply enter your address to find over 1000 pharmacies that can have your pharmacy essentials and prescription medicines express delivered to your door.

Browse, shop, and order everything from Panadol, cold and flu tablets and chesty cough medicine.

Talk to an online doctor about cold and flu

Sometimes your infection can worsen into a chest or sinus infection, so it’s really important to get advice early. If you can’t get in to your regular GP,  it’s simple to talk to an online doctor from the comfort and safety of your own home. With Medmate Telehealth you will be speaking with registered Aussie doctors. It’s quick, safe, and convenient. Get advice from an online doctor about your symptoms today.

Get an online medical certificate for cold and flu

Medmate is the easiest way to get an online medical certificate. Online doctors understand that it’s safer and more convenient for you to request a medical certificate online to save you the hassle of attending a medical centre in-person. Fill in a simple questionnaire to make it easy for the doctor to assess your current illness. The doctor may call you to get some more information or provide some helpful advice. Certificates are sent quickly and securely to your email address. Available same day without getting out of bed.

Medmate Telehealth offers a variety of services to meet your needs. For an online prescription renewal, it’s $20. If you require a medical certificate, the cost is $25. We also provide express digital consultations 7 days a week for sore throats, coughs, sinus infections and much more.

Most healthy people recover from a cold or flu within 7-10 days. In the meantime, focus on rest, hydration, warmth, and consuming plenty of vitamin C . When your symptoms resolve you should be safe to attend work. Talk to the doctor about when they advise a safe return to work.