Final answer:
Associates should report illness symptoms to a manager to prevent spreading illness at work and ensure their own health and safety, as well as that of others. They should follow workplace protocol for reporting time off and seek medical advice for severe or persistent symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
An associate must report their illness symptoms to a manager whenever they feel that their health condition might compromise their ability to perform work duties or potentially pose a risk to others, such as in the case of infectious diseases. It is crucial to report symptoms early to prevent spreading illness and to ensure the associate receives the appropriate care. The associate has a responsibility not just to their own health but also to the health and safety of their coworkers and customers.
Protocol for reporting time off due to illness should be followed, and depending on the policies of the workplace, it might involve contacting a manager directly, using a designated reporting system, or seeking assistance from a specified department within the company. Furthermore, an associate should consider seeking medical attention if they experience signs or symptoms that are severe, persistent, or worsening, which can point to conditions requiring professional medical intervention.