4 reasons for PR pros to stay home if they’re sick

Do you have a co-worker whose cough sounds like she belongs in a hospital?

Given all that we know about how colds, flu, and other nasty viruses spread (particularly in January, the height of flu season), and given that many companies now allow employees to work from home, not to mention laws that many employees get paid time off for illness, why do so many professionals go to work sick?

For those who need convincing, here are four reasons to stay home:

1. You can make others sick.

via GIPHY

Covering your cough, washing your hands, using tissues, and sneezing into your sleeve are good ways to prevent the spread of germs, but you’re still contagious. Even if you confine yourself to your cube or office, you touch the same stuff as your co-workers: door handles, elevator buttons, bathroom faucets.

Consider that some of your colleagues may have an infant or young child at home, or maybe they take care of an elderly relative. Spreading your germs to you co-workers can also spread germs to their family members.