How long would you say is "acceptably normal" to miss work due to COVID or flu?

[Anonymous]

I became symptomatic by Sunday. Sunday night into Monday was the worst. I tested positive on Monday and was prescribed an antiviral medication. Tuesday I was still feeling bad. Wednesday I started easing back into work by noon. I was working heavier on Thursday. And today, Friday, my boss is sort of micromanaging me.

I will point out I do work remote, but I still feel I was rather productive this week due to my circumstances.

Less than 3 days

3 to 5 days

Somewhere more than 5 days

[tremendousfern]

As long as you need. I remember at one job of mine I called out sick because I had the flu and after two days off I was still feeling kinda bad so I figured I would call out one extra day. My boss - who was getting irritated about me missing work by now - demanded that I get a doctor's note or else he wouldn't approve my time off.

The doctor told me to take the rest of the week off. So because my boss decided to throw a tantrum about my taking time off, my employer was missing me for an entire week instead of just 3 days. My point is to not let your whiny little baby of a boss try to manipulate you into working when you're feeling sick. They can manage just fine in your absence so take the time that you need to recover from an illness.

[tremendousfern]

And if they pressure you to "pick up the slack" from your absence, just tell them no. Be the squeaky wheel. You were ill, the workload is too much, you need either extra help or extra time catching up, etc. Being sick isn't something worthy of punishment but if your boss thinks they can manipulate you into feeling guilty about your illness, they will try to put the screws to you like that. That isn't your problem though and if that kind of treatment gets to the point where it's unbearable, find employment elsewhere that doesn't have bosses who are as shitty.

[Astarlessnightsky]

Once you are no longer sick.

For Flu its usually a week, maybe two.

[msmissydc]

As long as you are ill and not feeling well. WHen it comes to going to work even a bit longer to make sure you are not contagious. If you are not sure go to a doctor for a checkup. Better to cure completly then to be ill a week later again and risk infecting others at work.

[Asker]

I mean, I do work remote, and yeah, I started feeling better enough to ease back into work mid-day Wednesday. But holy crap, do I feel the pressure from work today (Friday). I did knock out these critical tasks. I just don't want to feel this is one "strike" against me, ya know?

[msmissydc]

If you are employed then why work if you are ill. Especially when work is too much pressure that doesn't help you get better.
What strike though?

[provokeesmokee]

Ask your doctor.

I think most employers where I am have set it 5 days. Most cases are resolved and not contagious at that point.

[IslaTheWitch]

In Germany on covid 2 weeks, regular flu - up to three days after the fever subsidies, cold mostly 3-5 days

[Asker]

I live here in the US, and ironically, I work for a rather "liberal" company as a conservative guy. But dang, the heat was turned up by Wednesday (Day 3).

[strateguy632]

covid usually needs 2 weeks to recover. but flu one week if cough. but stomach flu intense but 5 days like you said.

[Sevenpointfive]

i don't get flu. but you shouldn't work while sick at all.

[midnightmoon05]

Once tested positive, even with mild symptoms…we are giving 5 days with pay. Govt. job.

[Nikki1989]

7 days minimum for COVID-19 where I work.

[OtterMan68]

When I had it, I was told 5 days. It was 5 days of misery. I returned to work and masked up for a day.