Calling out sick from work is a difficult decision, especially when you’re not sure how serious your illness is. Vomiting is often a sign of a stomach bug or food poisoning, which can leave you feeling quite sick but may pass within 24 hours. Here are some quick tips to help you decide if calling out is necessary if you threw up:
Key Considerations
- How recently did you vomit? If it was within the last few hours, it’s best to call out to recover.
- Do you have any other symptoms? Fever, diarrhea, body aches point to a more serious illness.
- Could you have spread your illness? Vomiting is very contagious, so be mindful of infecting others.
- Can you function at work? If you are vomiting, dizzy or fatigued, it’s best to call out.
- Is your role essential? For critical safety positions, you may need to be 100% to work.
How Long to Call Out For
If vomiting is your only symptom, calling out for 1-2 days is usually sufficient for recovery. Here are some recommendations on duration:
| Situation | Recommended Call Out Duration |
|---|---|
| Vomited once in the past 12 hours | 1 day |
| Vomiting on and off for 24 hours | 1-2 days |
| Food poisoning symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea | 2 days minimum until symptoms resolve |
| Ongoing vomiting plus fever, body aches | 2+ days depending on illness severity |
It’s better to take more time to fully recover rather than return to work prematurely and risk spreading illness. You may need to extend your call out duration if symptoms persist beyond the initial 1-2 days.
Steps to Take When Calling Out
Here are some best practices when you need to call out sick from work due to vomiting or other illnesses:
- Notify your manager as soon as possible. Don’t wait until right before your shift.
- Know the call out policy. Some jobs require a doctor’s note if out for 2+ days.
- Request any needed coverage for your role while you’re out.
- Update your manager if your return date changes due to ongoing symptoms.
- Take care of yourself at home by resting, staying hydrated, and eating bland foods as you are able.
Calling out isn’t always convenient but taking the time you need to recover helps prevent spreading illness further. Most employers understand vomiting and stomach bugs are good reasons to call out of work.
Other Considerations Before Calling Out
While vomiting is a valid and common reason to call out of work, context matters. Here are some other factors to consider before calling out:
- Do you have an important deadline or commitment at work? Your absence may significantly impact colleagues.
- Are you able to work from home? Partial or remote work may be possible with some roles.
- Can you switch a shift with a colleague vs. calling out? This accommodates needs on both sides.
- Is there an office stomach bug going around? Your absence helps contain its spread.
- Are paid sick days available? These allow income recovery during health events.
Having context on what’s happening in the workplace and with your role responsibilities can help inform if calling fully out is necessary or if alternatives like working remotely make sense.
When Vomiting May Not Require Calling Out
While calling out is often wise if vomiting, there are some exceptions. It may be possible to report to work if:
- You vomited due to gag reflex, coughing fit or reflux vs. illness.
- You have no other symptoms and feel recovered after vomiting.
- Your role has critical responsibilities that cannot be covered.
- You can limit contact with others by working alone or remotely.
- Vomiting is caused by a chronic condition vs. a contagious illness.
However, take care even in these situations, as coming to work sick still risks getting others ill. Calling out when vomiting is better safe than sorry in most cases.
Alternative Options to Calling Out
If you don’t need to fully call out, consider these alternative options:
- Working from home – For office roles, this limits contact with others.
- Wearing a mask – Reduces spreading illness if you must be onsite.
- Taking more breaks – Provides recovery time if feeling unwell.
- Leaving early – Gets rest while partially covering needed hours.
- Coming in late – Allows morning recovery time.
Talk to your manager on partial options to balance work responsibilities with self-care when sick. Most will collaborate to find a solution.
When Working From Home Can Work
For office roles, working remotely when vomiting or ill can be a good compromise. Consider work from home options if you:
- Have laptop and remote access to all systems needed.
- Don’t have in-person meetings or can reschedule them.
- Are still able to focus and complete core tasks from home.
- Don’t have very public-facing responsibilities.
- Have flexibility in your working hours.
Working from home with an illness allows you to maintain productivity while also taking breaks as needed. However, it’s not feasible for all roles.
Conclusion
Vomiting and stomach bugs are common but legitimate reasons to call out from work. While missing work is inconvenient, getting adequate rest speeds recovery and reduces further spread of illness. Be sure to communicate with managers and colleagues to ease the impact of your absence. With care and planning, you can call out appropriately while minimizing disruption when you are unwell. Prioritize your health and others by staying home to recover when vomiting or experiencing other contagious symptoms.