Sniffs and Sneezes Cost Employers Millions

Sniffs and Sneezes Cost Employers Millions

More than 2.5 million employees are forecast to take a week or more off work this year as they recover from winter coughs and colds. The new research suggests that while men have long had to defend their dramatic response to 'Man Flu', their instinctive behaviour to get to bed may help to slash the cost of sick leave this year.

The findings from consumer research conducted by the Chemists' Own brand show that staff sick days could tally up to more than $1.6 billion, with employees' prolonging symptoms due to ineffective treatment and rest.

Almost two-thirds of women, often the stalwart of the family, claim they simply have to keep going when struck down by a winter bug. Men on the other hand are quick to use the first sign of the dreaded 'Man Flu' as an excuse to hit the sack or have some couch time, with a third saying their immediate response is to rest.

Pharmacist, Gerald Quigley claims that men's reaction is in fact the right one - and could help reduce the time winter lurgies hang around.

"Men are often given a hard time for exaggerating their symptoms when in fact they are doing the right thing by heading straight to bed and taking steps to recover from their illness as soon as possible," said Gerald Quigley.

"The sooner steps are taken to treat a cough, cold or flu, the better. Women may be hesitant to take time out to recover as they believe that the wheels fall off the family unit when they're sick, however bed rest is one of the best things you can do."

The research from the Chemists' Own brand showed that a quarter of Australians persist with symptoms for at least three days before finally getting treatment - with one in five failing to treat a nagging cough or cold at all - instead struggling on and spreading germs to those around them. Gerald Quigley claims that this laissez-faire approach is resulting in Aussies unnecessarily prolonging the life of their dreaded winter lurgy.

"People are simply waiting too long to treat symptoms. These days, coughs and colds can generally be contained to a few days. Many people insist on carrying on but quick and effective treatment can help to cut the life of a cold - reducing the rate at which colds and flus are spread and helping people get back to their daily routine faster."

One in five women claim that 'the smooth running' of the family such as cooking, cleaning and washing stop if they get sick, and one in 10 confess to relying on take-away when they're under the weather.

Gerald Quigley added, "When we get sick, cooking and cleaning are the last things that we feel like doing. However, it's important that we have rest, keep warm, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious meals to help minimise the length of a cold or flu - as is receiving timely advice from a pharmacist and adequate medication when it's required."

Gerald Quigley's tips to help overcome a winter cold:
Get lots of rest, bed rest is the best
Drink plenty of liquids to maintain hydration
Increase your intake of Vitamin A and C and zinc from nutritious food to help your body withstand a viral infection
Eat immune supporting foods like garlic and onions
Keep warm at all times
Sleep with a higher pillow to maintain sinus drainage