9 in 10 workers push through illness, but GP warns symptom relief isn't recovery

9 in 10 workers push through illness, but GP warns symptom relief isn't recovery Nearly nine in 10 workers have dragged themselves into the office while ill because they feel compelled to 'soldier on' or worry they are not 'ill enough'. Nearly nine in 10 workers have dragged themselves into the office while ill because they feel compelled to 'soldier on' or worry they are not 'ill enough' — with an NHS GP warning that symptom relief is not the same as proper recovery. Research involving 2,000 workers revealed a quarter believe taking time off for a cold or flu-like symptoms is unacceptable, with 58% feeling pressured to work whilst sick. More than one in 10 (13%) even experience guilt when taking sick days, with 9% concerned about how colleagues will view them. The findings showed that while 74% believe staying home is the most responsible action for themselves and others, only 10% consistently take sick leave when feeling poorly. The study, commissioned by Olbas, discovered Gen Z are more inclined to take a sick day than any other generation – but experts suggest they are making the right decision. More than one in five (21%) of those aged 18-29 typically take a day off sick when they are unwell, along with 17% of Millennials. However, this falls to just 11% of Gen X, and merely 7% of Boomers. Dr Roger Henderson, NHS GP and spokesperson for Olbas, who is working on its Winter Recovery Report, examining how Britain recovers from seasonal illness, said: "The research points towards a 'winter recovery gap'. The issue isn't simply whether people know they should rest, it's about feeling able to give yourself permission to do so. "'Powering through' work when we feel unwell can become deeply ingrained, so we convince ourselves that because a medicine has made us feel better, or because we can get through the working day, we must be well enough to carry on. However, symptom relief and recovery aren't necessarily the same thing." Find out your recovery generation based on your wellbeing approach The study revealed 25% of all workers surveyed would prefer to continue working unless they were seriously ill, with 12% frequently dismissing symptoms as merely a cold. The research, conducted via OnePoll, discovered 22% said understanding how to best manage their symptoms would give them greater confidence about when to rest and recover. Meanwhile, 21% would like to know which medications or remedies might help ease their symptoms. Currently, 62% said drinking plenty of fluids helps them to recover, while 60% rely on getting enough sleep and 56% make sure they get enough rest. Almost half (47%) take over-the-counter cold or flu remedies, while 30% said using a decongestant when congested. Dr Roger Henderson added: "Rest, sleep and hydration are some of the best things people can do to help themselves recover. "It's important to listen to how you're actually feeling rather than using symptom relief as a signal that you're completely recovered. "Over-the-counter medicines can have an important role in easing symptoms, but they should always be used as directed according to the label, and a pharmacist can help you choose an appropriate treatment if you're unsure what's best for you. "Simple measures can also help with individual symptoms - for example, warm drinks can soothe a sore throat, natural decongestants can help to ease a blocked nose, and keeping hydrated can help when you're dealing with respiratory symptoms. "There's also some evidence for using the herbal ingredient Pelargonium, as some studies suggest that Pelargonium extract may reduce the severity of an acute cough and may help symptoms resolve somewhat sooner. "Ultimately though, recovery isn't about doing absolutely nothing whenever you have a sniffle, but is all about recognising when your body needs you to slow down."