A colleague walked into my office. I informed him he looked under the weather, and half-jokingly asked if he was contagious. He replied he didn’t think so. I suggested he make his way over to the ER to make sure. He shocked me by asking me if I thought it was okay for him to utilize his personal day as a sick day. I informed him it was his personal day and asked if he had to provide notice to utilize it. He informed me he was unsure, but was going to go take a brief nap in his car, Sure, he technically had a choice to use a sick day and stay home, but that was not how he saw it. He thought he didn’t really have a choice. I agree nobody tries to convince you to go home because they knew in that situation they’d be doing the same thing, (even I been there). Millions of Americans don’t get paid time off when they’re sick, those who do have the option often don’t take it.. Watching him walk out of my office I was reminded of a email that from our employer, and I find  these eight  tips valid.

1. Get in the habit of coughing and sneezing into your elbow, not your hand. Children are being taught to cough like Dracula.
2. Limit your interaction with other people as much as possible. If you’re going to work, consider skipping nonessential meetings.
3.  Avoid physical contact with other people, especially shaking hands.
4. Wipe surfaces down after touching them.
5.  Use hand sanitizer or wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
6. Wear a mask to limit the respiratory droplets.
7. Take medication to reduce your symptoms.
8. Oh, by the way, get your flu shot
   

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