When to take an MC

Believe it or not, some of us do feel bad pulling a sickie. If you're a self-confessed workaholic, keep this taped to your bedside table so you know when you need that MC.

Got a runny nose?
Go to work: If you're not running a fever or if your allergies (like rashes) are not acting up.
Use the MC: If you've got the whole nine yards - fever, blocked nose, dizziness, drowsiness. Not only are you not going to get any work done, you are going to infect your colleagues!

Got a stomachache?
Go to work: If you can hold down what you eat.
Use the MC: If you're vomiting and getting the runs every 15 minutes. You're likely to be suffering from dehydration too, so make sure you drink lots of water.

Got a headache?
Go to work: If you know the pain's caused by a hangover.
Use the MC: If the headache is accompanied by nausea, dizziness or sensitivity to light and sound. If painkillers don't work, seek medical attention as soon as you can.


By Deborah Tan
Extracted from CLEO Magazine January 2005 issue.