Suffering from flu but planning on going to work anyway? Surprisingly, 86 per cent of employers would rather you pulled a sickie. Deirdre O'Shaughnessy reports. With flu starting to take hold as we head into the winter season, staff all over Galway will be cashing in those sick days. But if you have ever felt guilty about letting your colleagues down, then worry no longer.

Suffering from flu but planning on going to work anyway? Surprisingly, 86 per cent of employers would rather you pulled a sickie. Deirdre O'Shaughnessy reports

With flu starting to take hold as we head into the winter season, staff all over Galway will be cashing in those sick days. But if you have ever felt guilty about letting your colleagues down, then worry no longer.

According to a new survey commissioned by Benylin, 75 per cent of Irish employees would rather their sick colleagues recover at home than risk spreading infection in the workplace. This view is also supported by 86 per cent of Irish managers who believe their employees would be more productive after taking a rest day and recovering.

While 'pulling a sickie' is often touted as a way of avoiding work when hungover, 71 of employees responded that they have never taken a sick day unless they were ill. Conversely, 23 per cent of employees said they feel pressure from their manager to attend work even when they are sick.

Speaking at the launch of the survey, Dr Michael O Brien said people needed to be more aware of the implications of going into the workplace with flu.

"It's not uncommon for people to put pressure on themselves to go to work, although they are often better off taking time to rest and recover. The flu virus is highly contagious. In general, people need to be aware of their potential to infect their colleagues and family by 'droplet infection' – coughing or sneezing. If you get the flu, you should get plenty of rest, drink a lot of liquids, carefully dispose of used tissues and consider taking a medication to relieve the fever and muscle ache associated with flu," he said.

By ignoring the early warning signs of colds and flu, people may not realise they are putting themselves at risk of developing serious complications, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, which could lead to hospitalisation.

High-risk groups who should not take colds and flu lightly include young children and the elderly over 65 years. Adults suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease and immune deficiency states should also take care when their immune system has taken a knock.

If you are feeling a little under the weather, follow these home remedies, which promise to have you feeling ready to face the workplace in no time.

Firstly, stay away from alcohol, as it can actually cause nasal congestion. Take a steamy shower to moisturize your nasal passages and help you relax. If you're feeling dizzy, wait until you are steadier on your feet.

Garlic can be a powerful tool in the fight against flu. Take a peeled garlic clove and bite down every so often to release the natural juices. Replace with a new clove every four or five hours. It may not taste nice but it works!

Breathing warm steam can help to clear the head and you can maximize the benefits by adding an essential oil such as eucalyptus. A humidifier can also help you breathe easier.

For more information on beating the flu, log on to www.takeabenylinday.ie.

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