Cold Hard Facts - Should You Go To Work With A Cold

When faced with the question of, “Should I go to work with a cold?”, many of us wrestle with feelings of responsibility and guilt. We might feel obligated to push through, thinking our presence is essential or we can “tough it out.” However, the choice to attend work while under the weather can have serious implications, both for our health and for those around us. This guide explores the impact of working with a cold, offers practical guidance on when to stay home and suggests efficient solutions if time off is needed.

Should you go to work with a cold?

Heading into the office with a cold may seem like the responsible thing to do, but even mild symptoms can affect productivity and the well-being of your colleagues. Here are some reasons why you should refrain from going to work when sick:

1. Difficult to focus 

Cold symptoms — like a runny nose, sore throat, and fatigue — make it harder to stay focused on tasks. Even routine work can become more difficult when you struggle with congestion or frequent sneezing. The discomfort you feel can directly lower your productivity, slowing your work pace and possibly affecting the quality of your performance. Symptoms like these may also increase the chance of making errors or overlooking details.

2. Risk of spreading germs

The decision to attend work with a cold puts others at risk. Cold viruses spread through respiratory droplets when we cough, sneeze, or talk. This means close contact with colleagues, or even shared spaces like break rooms, can quickly become transmission points. If others in your office contract the cold, they too may need time off, leading to a ripple effect that further disrupts productivity.

For these reasons, taking a day or two off to rest and recover is often more productive and considerate, protecting your colleagues from unnecessary exposure.

Cold, flu, or something worse? Knowing the difference matters

Determining whether you have a simple cold or something more severe, like the flu, can help you make a more informed decision about going to work. Though colds and the flu share some symptoms, they vary significantly in their intensity and impact on health.

• Cold

A wide range of viruses can cause cold symptoms. Typically, symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing and mild congestion. Colds rarely involve fever, and symptoms often peak within a few days and then gradually improve. A mild cold might feel manageable, but it’s still contagious, particularly in the first few days of symptoms. Knowing this helps you decide whether to power through remotely or take time off entirely. 

• Influenza (the "flu")

Influenza, while also a viral infection, can be more intense. Symptoms like high fever, body aches, severe fatigue and chills are common with the flu, making it difficult to perform even basic tasks. The flu can lead to serious complications, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, which can be particularly risky for vulnerable individuals, including young children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.

• Bacterial Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Bacterial upper respiratory tract infections can sometimes follow a viral infection, or may be present at the outset. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a bacterial and viral URTI as they share many common symptoms. Typically, patients with bacterial URTI's have a sore throat but an absent cough (in viral URTI's cough is the main complaint). This is usually accompanied by high fevers (>38.5), tender glands under the jaw and along the neck, bad breath, and pus may be present on the tonsils. Like viral URTI's, bacterial URTI's rarely require treatment with antibiotics.

• Bacterial Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

A bacterial lower respiratory tract infection (or pneumonia) is a very serious medical condition and usually presents with high spiking fevers, sweats, a productive cough (dark brown, green or rusty coloured sputum), and chest or back pain. If any of these features are present you need urgent medical attention and should present to your nearest emergency room - call 000 for an ambulance.

If your symptoms are mild or moderate and include fever and body aches, it’s likely a cold or a flu and staying home is the safest option. Rest at home for a day or two to minimise transmission risk and consider virtual work if you’re feeling up to it. If you are able to work from home you can include alternate duties on your medical certificate - this enables you to isolate from your colleagues but can continue being a productive member of your team.

The health risks of working while sick

If you’re wondering, “Should I go to work with a cold and cough?” choosing to work while sick doesn’t just affect your colleagues — it can also have serious implications for your health, including:

1. Delayed symptoms

Your immune system requires energy and resources to fight off a virus, meaning rest is essential for recovery. When you continue to work, especially in a stressful environment, you divert that energy away from healing. This often leads to prolonged symptoms or even a worsening of your condition. Persistent symptoms can be especially troublesome for individuals with underlying health conditions, as they increase the risk of secondary infections.

2. Worsening symptoms 

A cold left untreated or aggravated by stress can lead to sinusitis, bronchitis, or other complications. Taking a short break to recover might prevent these outcomes, allowing you to return to work more quickly and in better health. 

3. Recurring illness

Pushing through illness can also increase mental and physical fatigue, which may impact your overall well-being beyond just the initial infection.

3. Workplace transmission

Viruses, such as those that can cause colds and flu, are contagious and are spread by droplets (coughing, sneezing) and by direct contact (keyboards, mice, files, tools and equipment). You are not doing your boss any favours by coming in sick if it leads to more of your colleagues needing time off work, too.

Taking time to rest when you’re ill isn’t just a personal decision — it’s a responsible choice that benefits your long-term health and helps avoid a cycle of recurring illness.

How many days off work for a cold?

How many days off work for a cold you should have depends on the severity of your symptoms and how quickly your body recovers. For most people, one to three days of rest is often sufficient to overcome the worst symptoms and reduce the risk of passing the virus to others.

Symptoms like sore throat, runny nose and mild fatigue are typically at their peak in the first day or two. This period is also when a cold is most contagious, meaning resting during these initial days can protect colleagues and prevent the spread of illness. If symptoms improve by the third day, many people can return to work feeling much better, albeit still taking precautions like washing hands frequently and covering sneezes or coughs.

However, if symptoms persist or worsen — particularly if you develop a fever or body aches — it’s wise to consider an extended rest period. In such cases, three to five days off work might be necessary to allow for a full recovery. Everyone’s immune system is different, so listening to your body is essential. 

When to consider a medical certificate for a cold

Employers may require a medical certificate to confirm any absence due to illness or carer’s leave to care for a family or household member. If symptoms persist beyond a few days or escalate, it’s wise to consider obtaining a medical certificate.

Medical certificates are easy to obtain and serve as formal documentation that validates your need for time off. Certificates can also offer reassurance to employers, helping avoid misunderstandings or doubts about your absence. If you’re uncertain whether to seek one, err on the side of caution, particularly if your symptoms are significant or your employer has specific policies regarding sick leave.

Obtain an online medical certificate from Medical Certificates Australia

Medical Certificates Australia offers a convenient online solution when you need a medical certificate. Our medical certificates are issued by doctors registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), meeting the highest legal standards. Whether for school, university, or work, we make the process easy and accessible so you can focus on what matters most — your health. Contact us to experience our hassle-free, expert care and get your certificates today.