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Got a Fever? Best to Stay Home

Here’s how to tell when to come to work or call in sick

Duke leaders recommend considering the wellbeing of yourself and others when experiencing illness. Photo illustration by BigStock Photo.
Duke leaders recommend considering the wellbeing of yourself and others when experiencing illness. Photo illustration by BigStock Photo.

Runny noses, sore throats and the occasional cough are part of every winter, but in addition to the common cold, this season is proving to be particularly troublesome thanks to the flu.

Now officially declared a flu “epidemic” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), faculty and staff are advised to be extra cautious with their health and the wellness of others as the region enters what is historically the peak time for seasonal flu.

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With that in mind, Duke administrators and doctors are reiterating a key message to employees: if you’re sick and contagious, stay home. Especially if you show symptoms that include fever of 100 degrees or more, vomiting or diarrhea.

“We have to be prepared to be honest enough to recognize when we're sick and could pose a risk to others,” said Dr. Cameron Wolfe, an assistant professor in Duke’s Division of Infectious Diseases and director of the Duke Preparedness and Response Center. “The quickest way to get back on your feet, ready to look after yourself and loved ones, is to give yourself enough quiet time to recover.”

Employees with flu-like symptoms (distinguished by a fever of 100 degrees or higher, and may also include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body ache, headache, chills, unusual fatigue, diarrhea or vomiting) should stay home during the period in which they are contagious and seek medical care as needed from their primary care physician or an urgent care clinic as necessary. All staff who have flu-like symptoms must be free of fever for at least 24 hours before returning to work.

According to the CDC, the flu is considered “widespread” in North Carolina, where it’s caused 54 deaths during the 2014-2015 season.

In the case of an upper respiratory infection that causes a runny nose or cough, it’s OK to be at work, but still be cautious, noted Dr. Carol Epling, director of Employee Occupational Health & Wellness.

“You have to really make an effort to keep washing your hands,” she said. “Practice good hygiene by coughing in your elbow, not your hand, wash your hands and use good judgment about whether you need to be at work or not.”

In addition to washing hands, other important steps to staying healthy include getting seven or eight hours of sleep every night and exercising, which helps immune systems. If you go to the gym, however, Epling said to make sure to wipe down equipment before and after use because it’s impossible to tell the health habits of others.

Above all else, Epling said employees should stick to routines in the winter that work well throughout the year – eating healthy, drinking lots of fluids and visiting a doctor if they don’t feel well.

Faculty and staff can also still receive a free flu shot without an appointment by visiting Employee Occupational Health & Wellness in Duke (South) Clinic’s Red Zone on the basement level. Simply show a valid DukeCard ID on arrival. For clinic hours, visit the Duke’s flu website, where additional information is available about Duke’s guidelines for employees experiencing serious illness.