Share your care, not your germs: stay home if you are sick

As Western Australians we are lucky to be enjoying an easing of restrictions. This doesn’t mean we should return to old habits such as going to work, school, or group activities when we’re sick.

Staying at home while unwell is one of the most important things we can all do to keep our family, friends, and colleagues safe from illnesses. Here’s why:

It helps stop the spread

Colds, flu, gastro and other viruses can be easily and quickly spread, especially in winter.

By going to work when you are sick you increase the risk of spreading illness to those around you. Consider the burden this creates in the workplace as more and more colleagues become sick.

It is not only your colleagues who may be affected by your illness; how many other people do you come into contact with each day, on your coffee run, picking up work supplies or on your commute to and from home?

If any of these people are chronically ill or more likely to get sick (such as older adults and infants) your shared germs could lead to severe illness and possible hospitalisation for those most at risk.

It helps you recover properly

When you stay home and rest, your body rewards you. Resting when sick helps to speed up your recovery, and prevent your illness from becoming more severe.

This not only means staying home from work or school, but also avoiding any group activities or family gatherings if you’re sick.

If you're recovering from an illness and decide to return to work, be extra vigilant with hygiene. Wash hands frequently, keep hand sanitiser available, and disinfectant common work areas and shared items such as computers and phones.