AIBU or is my Mum (re D&V and 48hr rule)?

[monkeytroubles]

I need some perspective, having been busy puking my guts up and running back and forth to the loo since 2am I don't have the presence of mind to make this decision.

So as I said, have come down with D&V overnight. I have had to call in sick to work and mentioned to my Mum that I feel horribly guilty as I've only been in the job six weeks. They were lovely about it though and wouldn't hear of it when I suggested I could do a bit of work from home. I spoke to my Mum just now and she seemed very concerned that I've had to ring in sick so soon after starting the job and said "make sure you rest so you're fit for tomorrow". I told her that the policy at work states you're expected to stay away until you've been clear of D&V for 48 hours (I work in Health, with children and families in a community setting) and she seemed to think I shouldn't take this seriously. She said that she is sure they would rather have staff back sooner than pay them to sit at home when they're no longer sick and that she doubts anyone actually abides by the policy.

I'm now starting to doubt myself. I hate the thought of passing this horrible bug onto my colleagues and their families, especially so close to Christmas. On the other hand, I don't want to get a reputation for skiving or for my bosses to think I'm trying it on. What if I'm still symptomatic tomorrow or the day after? Do I stick to the 48hour rule or go back as soon as I have stopped puking/shitting as this is my last week at work before the Christmas break and I don't want to look like I'm just trying to extend my holiday?!

I told her that as a health professional, I feel I would be wrong to ignore the policy but my Mum now has me paranoid that I'm getting myself a bad reputation at work by doing so. I'm hardly ever sick and don't have a lot of time off so this isn't a dilemma I've had to deal with before. This new job is a big step up and means a lot to me so I feel very torn.

[Thurlow]

You're right. Especially as a health professional. I would try and stick to the 48 hour rule and not go in until Weds morning. But if you are worried, could you ask work what they'd like you to do? Could you say I was last ill at X time, do you need me to stay off?

[3boys3dogshelp]

Definitely stay at home. I hate people who come out still poorly and make the rest of us ill. Its Christmas next week! Just think how popular you would be with your new colleagues if they all missed out on Christmas dinner cos of you!
Hope you feel better soon.

[Addictedtocustardcreams]

100% stick to the rules. They are there for a reason. From your post it isn't just your colleagues you would be at risk of passing this on to one of the children you work with who could well be much less able to cope with it.

[BippityBoppity]

On my ward, they don't want you back until you're 48hrs clear anyway.

[HeartsTrumpDiamonds]

The policy is there for a reason. Don't ignore it. Your mum is completely wrong!

[Muchtoomuchtodo]

Your Mum IBU.

I know it feels like a waste of time as you often start to feel much better very quickly after the last bout, but infection prevention and control have this policy for a very good reason and you need to stick to it.

[RedSoloCup]

Totally agree, 48 hours otherwise it just spreads and spreads....

[monkeytroubles]

Thank you all. I'm normally a sticker for the rules when it comes to infection control and would be the first to moan at someone who came in still contagious and infected everyone. I think lack of sleep and feeling completely rotten has made me more susceptible to doubting myself. Just had a lovely text off one of the team leaders telling me not to worry about work and saying not to rush back too soon so I think they're keen to stop it spreading.

[puntasticusername]

YANBU - your Mum sounds well-meaning, but mistaken. And you've had the reassurance from your team leader that you should stay away until well.

If one of my staff was in your shoes and still came back to work early, I'd be thinking bad things about their judgement!

[WowWowSauce]

Stay off and stick to the rules. One of my colleagues gave it to me last year, and I was in hospital with it due to underlying conditions. Really, stay at home. That rule is there for a reason. Especially if you work with sick people.

[Littlef00t]

I had d&v early last week, on mat leave at the mo but deliberately didn't see anyone for 3 days after symptoms cleared specifically because Christmas is so soon and was terrified of infecting anyone.

You often feel weak and shivery for a couple of days anyway, rest and potter.

[crazykat]

I think, as a health professional, your boss would be less impressed if you ignore the 48 hour rule and passed the virus on to colleagues or the families you work with than they would be if you have to have 3 or 4 days off and stuck to the rule.

[JennyBlueWren]

I work in a nursery and it annoys me when people come back too soon after D&V as they are now fine. Yes it is a hassle when folk are off ill but I would rather that than they infect us and the children.

[SaucyMare]

in my place we work from home if we feel fit but are contagious

[TiggerLillies]

Stick to the rules! But if you feel loads better call tomorrow and see if there is some work you can do from home, they might appreciate your enthusiasm!

[PicaK]

Did your mum work in an office? Then yes, hidden in a room away from people - you can see how it might look like the right thing to do. But as a HCP - no way! She's well out of date. I would be very annoyed if I got this from you before xmas!
Your colleagues sound nice - use the time to write nice xmas cards and say how much you like working with them. Far more effective use of your time!

[FastWindow]

Find the policy and email a copy to your mum!
Or say you are popping round to see her tonight, as you feel soooo much better? Then use her loo and announce that nope, better go, still d&v, ah well.
Bet she would tell you to perhaps not pop round so soon.

[onthematleavecountdown]

Have the 48 hours off. You new colleagues will be more than pissed if you bring d&c in to them so close to Xmas.

[WyrdByrd]

YADNBU - 48 hours after the last bout of D or V.

I work in a similar environment and if you came in and passed that on no one would thank you for it at all .

[ILovePud]

YANBU, it would be unfair on your colleagues and patients to go in, unfortunately d&v bugs don't discriminate by how long you've been in a job, luckily your boss sounds more sensible than your mum. Hope you are feeling better soon.