How to Work While You're Sick

If you're like me, you can't afford to have any sick days from work, because it plays with your finances too much. Unless you're terminally stricken, you'll want to keep some of these tips in mind for working when you have the sniffles.

1. Evaluate how sick you actually are. Are you able to drive to work? If your job does not involve heavy labor, are you able to sit or stand for long periods of time? If your job deals with people, is there a way to wash your hands frequently? If you answered yes to these questions, then you are probably able to make it out of bed and look at a screen (If you own a laptop, you're exempt), which is half the mental power you need to work.

2. Achoo~! Make sure to keep tissues with you for sneezing or runny noses. You won't land that client with a film of germy substance running from your nostrils. Also, leaving any residue will make your coworkers sick, and that's the last thing they'd like for themselves as well.

3. Water, water everywhere. If you are able, try to stay hydrated. Part of your sick process is that the chemicals in your body heat up, burning away the water you have stored. Help it work the sickness out while you work your day out.

4. Coffee, coffee, coffee. Caffeine gives a short boost to cells, and rejuvenates your look. You won't appear nearly as worn to your colleagues if you supplement your eating and drinking with any kind of caffeine.

5. Medicate as needed. Finally, if you must use medicine, put them in discreet, yet obvious containers. There are travel sizes of any kind of medication; if anyone asks why you're popping pills, show them what it is and why. The last thing you want is potential hard time for a pack of Rollaids.

Remember, if you're too sick, stay home! But if you feel halfway, give it a try and power through the work day with these tips.