Tips for Surviving the Work Week when Sick Days Aren't an Option

As I write this, I am opening my second box of tissues this week, counting the hours until the weekend gets here so I can finally get some rest.

I managed to make it through the entire cold and flu season without a sniffle but, due to poor timing on my part, I found myself in a confined waiting room at the car dealer last weekend (I was getting the car's oil changed) with a young child and his mother. Both of them were sick and, even though they teach that in preschool, neither even made an effort to cover their mouths when they sneezed or coughed. And, sure enough, I had what they had just a couple of days later.

I'm sure, for them, passing around a cold isn't that big of a deal. But, for the rest of us who have to be at work during the week, it is a pain. Especially since I can't always drop everything and stay home sick.

I have plenty of sick time to use. However, since I work on commission, calling in sick isn't really a luxury for me since my checks will still take a hit. My rule is pretty simple; if I'm well enough to drive to work, I'm well enough to go to work. And, like many other times, that's the choice I made.

Ideally, whenever you get sick, you should stay home and get some rest. However, for most people, that's not always an option. Maybe you have a big project that's due or, like me, not being at work means having a smaller paycheck. You can survive the work week. You just need to take things in stride.

First rule I have whenever I'm sick while at work is keeping plenty of fluids handy. Not only do they help you get over your illness a bit quicker by helping flush the bad stuff out of your system; they are also essential for keeping you from getting dehydrated. My suggestion would be avoiding caffeinated beverages like soda and coffee since those might interact negatively with any cold medicines you're taking. My drink of choice is lemonade.

In addition, make sure to invest in a high-quality brand of tissue. I honestly don't know where I would be without my Kleenex with aloe; which I purchased this week instead of my normal, sandpaper-like generic brand.