TV doctor and NHS GP Amir Khan has issued clear guidance to UK workers grappling with the decision of whether to call in sick when a cold strikes. Appearing on ITV's Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, the medical expert delivered a firm recommendation that could change office dynamics during cold and flu season.
The Contagious Reality: You're Infectious Before You Feel Ill
Dr Khan, speaking on his podcast No Appointment Necessary with Cherry Healey, highlighted a crucial and often overlooked fact about viral transmission. People are at their most contagious with a cold or flu in the two to three days before any symptoms manifest. This means an individual could be spreading the virus around their workplace before they even realise they are unwell.
"When you're thinking 'Oh I've got a sore throat but I can do this, I can go into work', that is when you're going to pass it on," Dr Khan explained. He stressed that the instinct to soldier on is precisely what fuels outbreaks in shared workspaces.
"Don't Come Into Work": The Doctor's Direct Advice
When asked for his professional advice, Dr Khan was unequivocal. "My doctor advice is don't come into work, rest, stay at home until you're feeling better." He acknowledged the common workplace anxiety about appearing to 'fake' illness, but countered with a stark reminder: "I know but also nobody will thank you for giving them the cold or the flu."
He added a personal perspective from his GP practice, stating, "I would rather see more patients and my colleagues stay at home because I don't want to be ill."
The Harsh Economic Reality for Many Workers
Dr Khan did not shy away from addressing the significant barrier that prevents many from following this ideal medical advice. He pointed to the difficult reality of modern employment contracts. "The flip side of it is the way things are at the moment a lot of people don't get paid if they don't go into work, and that is really tough," he said.
He identified this financial pressure as a sign of a wider issue within working environments and employment terms, suggesting systemic change is needed to support public health fully.
Recognising the Symptoms: Cold vs. Flu
To help people make informed decisions, it's vital to distinguish between a common cold and the flu. The NHS states a cold usually improves within one to two weeks and can be managed without seeing a GP. Key symptoms include:
- A blocked or runny nose
- Sneezing and a sore throat
- A hoarse voice and a cough
- General tiredness and feeling unwell
You may also experience a high temperature, aching muscles, a loss of taste and smell, or pressure in your ears and face.
In contrast, flu symptoms strike rapidly and are often more severe. The NHS advises that while flu can get better on its own, it poses a serious risk to some groups. Symptoms include:
- A sudden high temperature
- An aching body and exhaustion
- A dry cough, sore throat, and headache
- Difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and digestive issues like diarrhoea or nausea
The health service strongly recommends getting the annual flu vaccine for all eligible individuals as a key preventative measure.
Dr Amir Khan's advice, supported by NHS guidelines, presents a clear public health message: protecting colleagues and slowing the spread of viruses requires a shift in workplace culture, where staying home at the first sign of illness is seen as a responsible, not a negligent, act.
