Should have stayed in bed: Bringing your germs to work makes coworkers upset and costs you more sick days.

RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—Refusing to take off a day when you’re sick dramatically increases your chances of requiring a much longer health-related leave of absence down the road, according to a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. The new research comes at a time when U.S. and world health officials are strongly urging people to stay home if they’re feeling ill so they don’t spread the new H1N1 virus, or swine flu. Fortunately, so far, most cases in the United States have been mild.

THE DETAILS: In the study, researchers asked nearly 12,000 Danish workers to fill out questionnaires regarding their health and their opinions regarding working while sick. Employees also were asked how many times during the previous year they went to work ill when they could have stayed home. Those who reported for duty while sick more than six times were 53 percent more likely to miss at least 2 weeks of work down the line and were 72 percent more likely to take a 2-month sick leave during the subsequent 1½ years. Poor health, heavy work, work vs. family conflicts, lack of social support, lack of decision-making latitude, and being obese were common among people turning up ill at work most often.

WHAT IT MEANS: You might feel like a hero if you trudge to work with a hacking cough and dripping nose, but your coworkers may consider you Jerk of the Year if you wind up infecting the entire office staff. Plus, previous research has found that people who show up sick often underperform at their jobs. On top of all that, this study shows that working when you’re not well is likely to cost you extra sick days later to recover.

A mild cold or allergies don’t necessarily warrant using a sick day. But keep these points in mind if you’re tempted to go to work when you should stay home:

• Don’t spread the new flu. With the current outbreak of a new flu strain, it’s more important than ever to stay home and away from crowds if you’re feeling sick. That’s the best way to avoid spreading it and may spare you from needing extra sick days later. If you have swine flu symptoms—fever, headache, coughing, sore throat, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea—call your doctor. Most importantly, don’t panic. Most cases in the United States have been mild so far.

• Use good etiquette. Before you even get sick, talk to your employer and ask what procedure to follow when you become ill. Some may ask you to call the night before you take a sick day. Let your boss know as soon as you can, to give him or her time to find a backup for you or delegate your work. It’s important to give management a heads-up, if you can.

• Get rest. If you’re feeling sick, spend your day off resting and drinking plenty of fluids. If you’re contagious, choose one room as a “sickroom” and try to stay in it to avoid infecting others. Make sure you have fresh air circulating in there, but avoid drafts.