Sick days, doctor visits and your immune system
The average worker takes 8.4 days off sick from work each year, so taking more than that in six months is well above average!
On the same hand though, having no days off at all can sometimes mean that you're going into work when you shouldn't be and sharing the germs around - not good for your immune system or anyone else's. A study by Covonia recently said that one in three of us blamed our colleagues for giving us two colds a year!
This is the same for doctors visits. The average person will visit their doctor 6.3 times a year and almost half of these visits are for colds or viruses that cannot be treated by the doctor. It's not great for your immune system either to surround yourself with other sick people and germs!
It is natural for your body to get the odd cold or bug - it's its way of preparing for infection in the future. It's actually better for your immune system if you don't go into work, rest properly and eat healthily because it will give your body a better chance of fighting it. It will also make your system stronger in the future. Many people soldier on and a simple three-day cold can last for weeks and get worse.
Read on for info about food allergies and your immune system
Where next?
- Do you really need to see the doctor? Find out who else can help
- Find out why going to work when you're ill might be making you unpopular
Sources:
-The Chartered Institute of Personal Development www.cipd.co.uk
-Covonia www.covonia.co.uk
By Vicky Woollaston
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