General guidelines for staying home
Deciding to stay home when feeling unwell is important for your health and the health of those around you. The main reasons are preventing spread and allowing recovery. Fever and symptom type are key indicators.
The 24-hour fever rule
A widely accepted guideline is to stay home until you have been fever-free for a minimum of 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication. Fever signals your body is fighting infection, and you are often highly contagious then.
Other important symptoms
Beyond fever, other symptoms suggesting you should stay home include:
- Vomiting and diarrhea: Stay home for at least 24–48 hours after the last episode.
- Severe cough: A strong, persistent cough can spread viral particles. Stay home until it significantly improves.
- Persistent pain or fatigue: Pushing through can prolong illness and risk infecting others.
What about a mild cold?
For a mild cold with symptoms like a runny nose, staying home is less clear but still recommended, especially around vulnerable people. Colds can spread for up to a week. Good hygiene, like handwashing and covering coughs, can reduce risk.
Illness-specific considerations
Contagious periods and return-to-activity guidelines vary by illness.
Flu (Influenza)
The flu is very contagious, spread from one day before symptoms to up to seven days after they start. The first 3-4 days are typically most contagious. The CDC advises staying home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without medication, and potentially longer.
COVID-19
The CDC recommends returning to normal activities after at least 24 hours of improving symptoms and being fever-free without medication. Taking precautions like wearing a mask for the following five days is also suggested. Immunocompromised individuals may be contagious longer.
Stomach virus (Norovirus)
Norovirus is highly contagious. It's recommended to stay home until at least 48 hours after your last episode of vomiting and diarrhea.
Illness comparison guide
{Link: HartfordHealthcare.org https://hartfordhealthcare.org/about-us/connect-to-healthier/health-essentials/when-to-stay-home-sick-from-work} provides a comparison guide for different illnesses, including symptoms, when to stay home, and return guidance. This includes information on the contagious periods for Flu, Common Cold, COVID-19, Stomach Bug, and Strep Throat.
Important steps when returning to work or school
Even after the contagious phase, take precautions to prevent spreading residual germs.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Sanitize frequently touched surfaces.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
- Consider wearing a mask for a few extra days after a respiratory illness.
Special considerations for vulnerable populations
Children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems may have longer contagious periods and higher risks. A doctor should see an infant under three months with a fever immediately.
When sick, it's generally best to be cautious. Resting and preventing spread benefits everyone. Consult a healthcare provider if you are unsure. More information on preventing respiratory virus spread is available from the CDC.
Conclusion
Knowing when should you stay home when you're sick? is vital for public health. The basic rule is to stay home with a fever or highly contagious symptoms like vomiting or a persistent cough. Return to public spaces only after being fever-free for 24 hours without medication and when other symptoms are significantly improving. This protects others and allows your body to heal fully.
