When flu symptoms start, staying home is the safer choice for coworkers and the people they serve. Yet workers may still go in because they feel able to do the job, worry about lost pay, or cannot arrange coverage. Here, presenteeism means attending or working while ill; it is different from absenteeism (being away from work) and from working remotely rather than on-site.
Should you go to work with flu symptoms?
CDC’s current general respiratory-virus guidance advises staying home and away from others when you have respiratory symptoms that are not better explained by another cause. CDC’s flu-prevention advice is direct: “If you begin to feel sick while at work, go home as soon as possible.” That wording appears on its Healthy Habits to Prevent Flu page, updated September 1, 2026.
Remote work is not the same as going to the workplace: working from home can avoid exposing colleagues on-site, but it still means working while ill rather than resting or taking paid sick leave. Whether remote work is practical depends on the job and how the worker feels.
An archived CDC business page advised staying home until at least 24 hours had passed since both overall symptoms began improving and fever ended without fever-reducing medicine. Because that advice is from an archived page, it should not replace current guidance or applicable workplace, occupational-health, or healthcare-setting instructions. See the archived CDC business guidance.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
How common is working while sick?
There is no universal current estimate for all workers. The clearest quantified example here is a CDC/NIOSH-reported survey of healthcare personnel during the 2014–2015 influenza season. In a national opt-in internet panel of 1,914 healthcare personnel, 414 reported influenza-like illness, defined as fever plus cough or sore throat. Of those 414, 183 (41.4%) said they worked while ill; the median reported duration was three days. The figure describes that subgroup and season, not today’s workforce generally. The panel was nonprobability-based and the responses self-reported.
The journal abstract reported higher occupation-specific rates among pharmacists (67.2%) and physicians (63.2%); hospital-based personnel had the highest setting rate (49.3%). Those figures are specific to the same study and should not be treated as representative rates for every workplace. The CDC/NIOSH summary and the original study record are available from NIOSH’s 2018 bulletin and the American Journal of Infection Control study record.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Why do people work while ill?
In the healthcare-personnel survey, workers most often described a mix of personal judgment and workplace pressure. Common reasons included:
- They believed they could still perform their job duties or did not feel ill enough to miss work.
- They did not think they were contagious or could make others sick.
- They felt a professional obligation to coworkers.
- They had difficulty finding someone to cover their work.
Healthcare personnel in long-term care most frequently cited being unable to afford lost pay. That makes the practical point clear: reminders about transmission risk may not be enough if workers cannot afford to stay home or essential duties have no backup. In the bulletin, NIOSH medical officer Sophia Chiu, MD, MPH, wrote, “Working while ill, or presenteeism, increases the likelihood of influenza transmission to coworkers and patients.” Her statement concerns healthcare workers and the people they care for.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What paid leave and workplace norms can change
A 2020 CDC study of workers aged 19–64 with medically attended acute respiratory illness or influenza during the 2017–2018 season found that access to paid leave was associated with fewer days worked during illness, both overall and at the usual workplace. Workers who said their employer discouraged coming in with influenza-like symptoms were less likely to attend their usual workplace. These are observational associations in a defined study population, not proof that any one policy causes a specific result.
Telework access in that study was associated with more days worked overall while ill, but not more days at the usual workplace. This distinction matters: telework may reduce on-site exposure while allowing work to continue, but it does not provide time away from work. The study is published in CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
During the high-severity 2017–2018 U.S. flu season, health-related workplace absenteeism rose sharply in November and peaked in January, according to a CDC analysis. That is an absenteeism measure from a historical season—not a presenteeism estimate or a forecast for a future season. See the CDC MMWR analysis.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What employers can do to reduce flu spread at work
CDC advises employers to provide paid time off and create flexible leave and telework policies so workers can stay home when sick or care for sick family members. The practical aim is to make the safer choice feasible, not merely to tell workers to make it.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Make sick leave usable. Flexible, nonpunitive leave can help employees stay home rather than choosing between health and income.
- Plan coverage. Cross-train coworkers and identify essential tasks that need backup so one person’s absence does not leave critical work uncovered.
- Set a clear expectation. Explain that workers with flu-like symptoms should not come to the usual workplace, and that someone who becomes sick at work should leave as soon as possible.
- Offer telework where it fits. Remote work can prevent an on-site visit, but should not be framed as equivalent to sick leave or recovery time.
- Make prevention supplies accessible. Maintain tissues, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand rub, and disposable wipes; routinely clean frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Make vaccination accessible. CDC says annual flu vaccination is the single best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and potentially serious complications. Employers can help workers find out whether on-site vaccination is available.
For healthcare settings, the considerations are stricter because workers may expose patients as well as colleagues. CDC recommends nonpunitive, flexible sick-leave policies consistent with public-health guidance to allow and encourage healthcare personnel with suspected or confirmed influenza to stay home. Patient-care precautions and facility rules should be handled through occupational health and applicable healthcare-setting guidance; see CDC guidance for healthcare settings.
Quick Recap
Workplace options at a glance
| Option | What it addresses | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Paid sick leave | Time away from work without losing pay, when available under the employer’s policy. | In the 2017–2018 worker study, access was associated with fewer days worked during illness; the finding is not proof of causation. |
| Flexible, nonpunitive leave | Reduces practical and social barriers to following stay-home advice. | CDC recommends this approach; healthcare facilities should align policies with applicable public-health and facility guidance. |
| Telework | Can avoid attendance at the usual workplace when a job can be done remotely. | It is still work while ill. In the cited study, access was associated with more days worked overall while ill, but not more usual-workplace days. |
| Coverage and cross-training | Makes absence workable when duties otherwise fall to a single employee. | CDC recommends cross-training coworkers to cover essential work. |
| Vaccination and hygiene supplies | Support prevention at work through annual vaccination access and everyday hygiene measures. | Supplies do not make it safe to attend work while contagious and do not treat flu. |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
