By Renee Masur

Everywhere people are grunting and hacking; gripping their chests and throats, glassey-eyed, slothing around town. And everyone else is trying to stay away. Is this the zombie apocalypse? 

No, it’s flu season. 

So far the sickness has taken down half of the team at Sokanu, including myself. Slowly, we are all recovering. And while there always seems to be an endless amount of emails, meetings, and work, when you are sick, there is only one thing on your list: go home. 

1. Nobody Wants What You’ve Got

Let’s face it. You sound terrible. You look awful, and everyone can see it. You’re touching everything and germing up the place. It won’t do anyone any good to get sick from you. I’m sure you are awesome when you’re healthy. So head home, and go get awesome. 

2. You’re Brain Wants a Break

Your body is shutting down and your brain is going down with it. When you feel sick, there are constant interruptions in your mind. 

“My throat feels awful”….cough….sneeze…..cough…..”have to blow my nose”…this hurts….”ok, focus”…COUGH.  Your body needs time to heal, and with that, comes the third reason you need to go home:

3. You Know You Want That Nap

It just feels so good. If only for the sweet relief of your magma-burned throat and leaky nose, a nap is a quiet escape from the pain of your sickness. It gives your body the time it needs to fight the raging war in your body. And really, don’t we all really love sneaking in a nap during the day?

4. Your Job Wants You To 

Pushing yourself to suffer through your sickness while working will only cause a kind of resentment that you don’t want associated with your job. A friend of mine told me, “Don’t be a hero. When you are sick, go home. That’s the best thing you can do for your job.” Come back when you are feeling alive again and do your work with energy and passion. 

Go home, sickie! And feel better.