After the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people all over the world are giving their health a second thought. A cough isn’t just a cough anymore, and a sneeze in public can get you more than a couple of nasty looks if you don’t cover up. If you have a sore throat, it is best to avoid contact with other people in most cases. But should you go to work if you have a sore throat? Let’s explore.
Should I Go to Work If I Have a Sore Throat?
A sore throat is one of the most common general symptoms of illness, and it can mean many different things. Nobody wants to get sick, and nobody wants to be the reason most of the office comes down with a bug.
Here’s more about what could be causing your sore throat and the essential answer to what you should do about work.
The simple answer is DO NOT go to work if you have a sore throat. This is especially true if you aren’t sure why your throat hurts.
A sore throat could mean the presence of an underlying infectious disease. This includes:
- Viral infections
- Bacterial infections
- Allergies
- Other health conditions
A long list of conditions is associated with a sore throat as a symptom. Therefore, you should never risk exposing others and spreading infection.
If you have had a sore throat for any amount of time, make an appointment with your doctor. You can also stop at any of our four urgent care clinics in Omaha and Bellevue.
What Causes a Sore Throat?
Many potential causes for a sore throat exist, and hundreds of other viruses could be the culprit. Here are a few:
- Hayfever and allergies: A runny nose and sneezing from allergies can irritate the throat, causing inflammation, redness, and tenderness.
- Pollution and secondhand smoke can do the same, leaving the throat inflamed and itchy.
- Acid reflux and indigestion-related conditions: Push stomach acid into the throat and cause redness and inflammation.
- Asthma can cause a sore throat, too. The reaction inflames the airways and other channels.
- Common cold and flu are both infections that could cause the same discomfort in the throat.
There are also more serious infections that can cause a sore throat. This can include respiratory infections, ear infections, and more.
How Do I Know For Sure Why I Have a Sore Throat?
Many different things can cause a sore throat. Therefore, there’s almost no way to know the cause of your sore throat unless you have been to a doctor to diagnose the issue.
Common colds, flu, hay fever, and general infections cause most sore throats. However, this does not mean anyone should assume they know why they have a sore throat.
People with serious infections and symptoms should schedule an appointment with their doctor. Or, visit a local urgent care clinic as soon as possible.
What Should I Do If I Have a Sore Throat?
Since it’s impossible to know precisely the reason for a sore throat, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor or visit a walk-in clinic. Most causes of a sore throat are infectious, though not all (e.g., allergies and hay fever).
Noninfectious causes mean you do not have to stay home from work, but infectious ones do. However, you should still take precautions to reduce the spread by:
- Washing your hands
- Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze
- Avoid touching your face
- Avoid sharing drinks and utensils
Is There a Home Treatment for a Sore Throat?
Many home remedies can relieve the symptoms of a sore throat. These remedies do not cure the underlying cause of the sore throat but can supplement your existing treatment plan.
Seeing a doctor to treat the underlying causes is still advised. Consider these at-home options for a bit of relief:
- Drink plenty of liquids
- Throat lozenges
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Gargle with salt water
Should I Call My Boss if I’m Not Going to Work?
Should I Call My Boss if I’m Not Going to Work?
After seeing a doctor who believes you should stay home from work, you can accompany the appointment with a signed letter. The signed letter is proof of your condition. The letter should be forwarded to your supervisor or employer.
By law, companies must grant sick leave to employees for specific conditions. Most companies would not want to put the office at risk for potential infection. Nor would they put an employee at risk of getting sicker due to their job.
Don’t be afraid to call in sick and take a sick day. If a fever accompanies your sore throat, wait at least 24 hours until your fever is gone before you return to school or work.
If you have been diagnosed with the flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends staying home for at least 4-5 days from the onset of symptoms.
Urgent Care Omaha Walk-In Clinics and in Bellevue, NE
Our staff works to provide prompt, personal, and professional care for all of our patients. We strive to provide the attention patients need in as quick a time as possible. Urgent Care Clinics in Omaha & Bellevue, Nebraska has three locations in the Omaha metropolitan area. Our three walk-in clinics are:
Disclaimer
The information contained on this webpage is for educational purposes as well as to provide general information and general understanding of the pertinent medical issue only, not to provide a specific diagnosis. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. By using this blog/web site you understand there is no doctor patient relationship between you and the blog/web site publisher. The information included on this site should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a licensed medical professional in your state. Neither Urgent Care Network, its subsidiaries, affiliates, assignees or successors in interest, nor any other party assume liability for loss or damage due to reliance on content of this blog/web site. If you are experiencing a severe medical issue, you should seek emergency assistance immediately.
