‘Workplace heroes’ told to stay home to avoid spreading flu

Are your colleagues coughing and sneezing? A survey has revealed that 54 per cent of Australians ignore health warnings and turn up for work despite being ill.

PEOPLE are snubbing health warnings and putting their colleagues at risk of the flu by working while ill.

A survey has revealed that 54 per cent of Australians — dubbed wannabe “workplace heroes” — turn up for work despite being sick.

One in five reports that they have too much work to do to take a sick day.

But health authorities have again urged Victorians not to soldier on and put colleagues at risk of illness.

The flu virus is carried in tiny droplets from coughs and sneezes.

Flu has this year killed at least 27 Victorians, including three children and 24 elderly people. More than 13,500 laboratory-confirmed cases have been recorded, compared with 2269 for the same period last year.

“The flu virus is carried in almost invisible droplets from saliva, sneezes, coughs and runny noses. It can also live on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours,” the state’s acting chief health officer Dr Angie Bone said.

“If you are sick, the best way to avoid spreading the flu is to stay at home.”

Health authorities recommend getting the flu shot.

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Melbourne GP Preeya Alexander, dubbed The Wholesome Doctor, said sick workers were less productive and made more mistakes.

But the survey, from water purification company Waterlogic, found 16 per cent of people still wanted their sick colleagues to turn up to work if they could perform their duties.

“People are really quite afraid of how they will be perceived by their colleagues,” Dr Alexander said.

“My response is always that the world will keep spinning even if you are not at work.”