Work etiquette - don't pass the germs!!?

[Sing4Me]

This happens where I work all the time. People show up deathly ill - hacking, weezing, and sneezing. (This is not from allergies - this is either the cold, flu, or whatever.) They walk by your desk and start coughing all over the YOUR stuff. Can't they hold it for a few seconds??!! Unbelievable. So now I'M home sick the past two days, because I at least have the decency to stay home! And no - I can't afford the time off, but I don't want to pass it on! My mother also has cancer with no immune system, so now I can't go visit her this weekend (again). I'm really pi**ed. I feel like people sometimes, have no class at all. Does anyone else feel this way??

[pebblespro]

This is a tough situation for everyone involved. Being sick is no picnic but, many, many people simply cannot afford to take time off and be sick !

I think that companies should enforce or reward those that get a flu shot.. It's not a fail safe but, it does protect you from getting sick. Maybe have flu shot clinics at work so EVERYONE is protected. Maybe that would help keep the flu bugs down.

Also, to keep yourself healthy take a good quality multivitamin, eat healthy and take plenty of ZINC which helps fight off the flu/viruses ! Keep tissues on hand and wipe down your work station often.. .Especially the telephone, computer keyboards and places where many people touch like the lounge/cafeteria ! Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer !

good luck

[kill_yr_television]

Some bosses actually DISCOURAGE sick people from staying home. Perhaps you a few other like minded employees could approach the boss and ask him/her to be proactive in this matter and send snotty sneezy people home before one sickie turns into a dozen. If you're Tiger Woods, you're needed at work. If you're Chris Angel, you're needed at work. If you're anyone else, from the Pope on down, we can do without you until you stop being contagious, so STAY HOME!

[slopoke6968]

yes i dont wanna shake hands take papers or even talk close to a sick co worker--i always say please keep yourdistance i dont want it too.........

[Vanya]

While I do agree with you.

I can see their reasons for coming to work... "I have to pay *insert bill* and buy food for my kids. I'll just be brave and go to work because I have no other choice." Our cost of living is sky-rocketing and people feel forced to work (sometimes more than one job!) They think they can't afford to take a sick day.

What these people don't do, is practice good hygiene; coughing into hankie or sleeve and proper hand washing technique.

The best you can do is practice good hygiene yourself and hope for the best. Short of wearing a surgical mask, I don't think you can avoid getting sick during the winter months.

[scooter]

I Toooooootally Feel Ya. My entire office started droppin like flies after 1 person showed up wit the flu. I luckily never caught it but sooooo many people did. I think there should be some kind of clause in a business contract that if somebody walks into the office and are contagious with something. They should be responsible for paying everyone elses medical expenses and medications for that illness. Good Luck. I hope you feel better soon!!!

[Lady Astarte]

Yes, I feel the same. I have no admiration for people who come into work ill and "tough it out". Invest in some masks to hand out to people who come in sick. Maybe the message will get across. OR tell your boss you want to go home to prevent getting sick and explain your mother's situation. It will at least get the boss thinking...