What should you do at work if you have a headache, cough, and runny nose?

When experiencing symptoms such as a headache, cough, and runny nose, it's important to consider the implications for food safety and public health. The recommended course of action is to go to work but avoid direct food handling activities. This aligns with food safety regulations and best practices, as these symptoms can be indicative of contagious illnesses.

By choosing to work while avoiding food handling, you minimize the risk of passing any potential pathogens to customers or food items, thereby protecting the health of both your coworkers and the consumers. It is crucial to maintain hygiene practices and limit exposure when displaying any symptoms of illness. This approach balances the need to maintain staffing levels while ensuring that public health is prioritized, especially in food service environments.

Choosing to go to work without restrictions or serving food while symptomatic can increase the chance of spreading illness, which poses significant risks in food safety. Similarly, completely abstaining from work may not be necessary if the individual can perform roles that do not involve food handling, depending on workplace policies and health guidelines.