Feeling crummy?

Published: April 7, 2008

Stay home from work. The Harvard Business Review estimates "presenteeism” — ill employees working at less-than-full capacity — can cost employers $150 billion each year, since sick workers are less productive, take longer to get better and often infect their colleagues.

Should you trudge into the office or stay in bed? Check these symptoms to decide.

These symptoms mean you're sick and contagious. Stay home and call a doctor:

1. You have a fever above 101 degrees.

This might mean the flu or a bacterial infection such as bronchitis.

2. Your eye is red with creamy drainage or matted shut.

This might mean conjunctivitis ("pinkeye”).

3. You're coughing up green phlegm, are short of breath or feel tightness in the chest.

This might mean pneumonia or bronchitis.

4. Your throat is sore and you can see white patches inside of it.

You could have strep throat.

5. You have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

These might mean gastroenteritis (stomach bug).

If you're having these symptoms, you're probably not that sick. Chances are, you're suffering from allergies or at the end of a cold or virus (and not contagious).

1. You're stuffed up and sneezing.

2. You have a dry cough.

3. You have postnasal drip.

4. Your throat is scratchy but not sore.

Source: Women's Health magazine

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