Cold and flu season is here once again. And I’m betting that someone you know is sick and also that someone you know (or maybe you) has chosen to go to the work while sick. Being a leader at work and in life means taking responsibility for your health. You have the body you’re born in until you die so you better take care of it. If you wake up feeling sick, you’re not doing anyone any favors by going to work. What should you do instead?  Stay in bed and recover. It sounds like common sense, but unfortunately, a lot of people continue to go out in public and spread their germs.

There are many Americans out there who don’t have paid sick time and may even get fired for not showing up. I wish there were laws to protect those people but that’s another conversation. If this is the reality of your situation, then I understand that it’s not an easy decision especially if you’re also supporting other people or living paycheck-to-paycheck. However, by going to work, you’re risking getting even sicker which could lead to a hospital stay or long-term health problems that could make it harder for you to work and pay the bills in the future.

What’s surprising is how many people with paid time-off go to work with the flu. Not only is your work quality or efficiency likely to suffer when you try to work while your poor body is suffering, but you’re also increasing the chances of getting someone else sick. The risk of spreading your germs is especially pronounced if you sit near other people in an open office layout, cubicles, or shared offices.

Plus, your germs aren’t limited to the unlucky co-workers closest to your desk. You’re likely to sneeze or cough into your hands and then use your hands to push buttons on the elevator, turn on the sink in the bathroom, open the refrigerator in the break room, and use the water or coffee machines.

You might be thinking, “But they need me! Everything will fall apart if I miss a day.” Acting like a martyr isn’t a great example of leadership for your employees or co-workers. You’re not being a hero by swooping in and sneezing all over your keyboard while sending out that XYZ report. Sniffleapagus to the rescue doesn’t have a good ring to it.

If you have a manager who insists that people continue to show up when they’re sick, let him or her know that you’re concerned about spreading the flu to co-workers or clients. If he or she still won’t budge, then it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your health and also decide if you want to continue working for someone who doesn’t value the well-being of his or her employees. This doesn’t mean that you just quit on the spot, but that you start the process of making a change.

If you do have the advantage of being able to work remotely, you’re not off the hook. Even if you’re at home, mental work still counts as work, so remember to take breaks. Also, keep in mind that stress affects the immune system and can slow down the healing process.

Being a leader of your life means taking responsibility for your health. So take this bout of sickness as a wake-up – I mean go-back-to-sleep – call and keep your fabulous self in bed.