Feeling under the weather? Experts say stay home

Monday, September 30, 2013, 6:40 PM -

We've all be there.

You have a cold, and you don't quite feel good enough to go into work but you force yourself to go into the office anyway.

With cold and flu season right around the corner experts are saying it's best to just stay home when you're feeling under the weather.

There are a few reasons for this.

First and foremost, it can spread germs around an office.

This is especially true in the early part of sickness, when a person is at the most contagious.

During that time, germs can spread from handshakes or touching shared objects like doorknobs.

A virus can also spread a few feet following a cough or sneeze.

Secondly, experts say that when a person tries to work when sick, they're not as sharp or efficient as they usually are. This doesn't just take a physical toll, but also a financial toll on an employer.

Pushing oneself to work while in the early stages of a sickness may actually prolong recovery time, and lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, making a person more susceptible to other colds.

Reports say as much as 40 percent of lost time from work is due to the common cold, but even when faced with potential lost time, it's best to do yourself a favour -- stay home and rest.