Most Americans Go To Work Sick – Here’s The Top Six Reasons Why

It's that time of the year, the fine people you work with or around are getting sick. Plus, they are eager to share their germs with you on a regular basis.

Which begs the question: Why do most people continue to go to work even if completely ill?

According to a new poll, there are SIX big reasons why people continue to go to work even after the first signs of being really sick.

• 28% of people say they're "essential" (inflated ego much?)
• 18% have too much work to do.
• 15% don't get paid sick days.
• 12% don't want to be seen as a SLACKER.
• 11% are saving their sick days for when their KIDS get sick
• 8% of people are afraid of being FIRED.

With that being said, you can't control other people but you can shield yourself against their ill-advised choice to come to work and share their germs with you. That holds true in this study because:

• 79% wash hands after having contact with a sick coworker.
• 97% wash hands after using the restroom
• 81% have use a hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes.
• 84% say easy access to cleaning/sanitizing products is the main reason they use them

These are all good things to know considering, according to the CDC, that last year's flu season was a "nasty" one. They even called it an epidemic, so protect yourself as much as possible and if you even start to feel ill - Begin to medicate and consider time off from work.

[PR Newswire]