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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to test for covid?

39 replies

FrenchFancie · 06/12/2023 08:44

I’m off work with covid at the moment, hoping to be back tomorrow. I tested positive on Sunday. I’ve had what, to me, is the most bizarre email exchange with my boss about this. In short he’s told me off for testing, says I’m not supposed to have tested and should be back at work the moment I feel well enough to be back at work, regardless of wether I’ve got a negative test.

i tested for two reasons - this is my fourth covid infection, so I suspected it was covid from the symptoms and wanted to know. I was about to visit a very elderly and vulnerable relative in hospital, and didn’t want to walk covid onto the cardiac ward. I also work with someone who is vulnerable- they are taking drugs that suppress their immune system, so didn’t want to take covid into work and make her really unwell.

aibu to think my boss is nuts? Surely I didn’t do anything wrong by testing? He’s made me feel like I’m some sort of hypochondriac by testing!

OP posts:
KarmenPQZ · 06/12/2023 08:59

And for what it’s worth I’m not sure testing is very accurate - anecdotally. We test as we’re part of the ONS survey. My unvaccinated 5 year old tested positive for over 10 days after a very minor cough, no fevers or other symptoms. I’ve had at least 6 vaccinations and I had full fevers, sore throat, cough, migraine but tested negative consistently.

witchypaws · 06/12/2023 08:57

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Her original post said expected to be back once she is well so I took it as she wasn't

KingsleyBorder · 06/12/2023 08:57

How does the vulnerable person at work feel about your boss’ attitude OP?

clearspilt · 06/12/2023 08:55

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clearspilt · 06/12/2023 08:54

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Original poster
FrenchFancie · 06/12/2023 08:54

Yes I’ve had covid four times in two and a half years - I don’t think that’s a bad sickness record!

and yes, I feel pretty grotty. I don’t think people should have to work when they are ill and spread germs around. If you’re sick with anything, say the hell at home!

I’m willing to admit I may have a skewed view of covid - I lost two relatives to it, and my husband’s good friend who died a horrific death after ages on ECMO leaving behind 4 children. While I know I’m more than likely going to be absolutely fine, there’s the risk of spreading it to people who are still vulnerable.

i just can’t get my head around being told off for testing.

OP posts:
KarmenPQZ · 06/12/2023 08:54

The only point of testing is if it changes behaviour in my opinion. Ie if you get a negative would you have gone to visit your elderly relative. If yes that you’re being very unreasonable… taking any virus into those situations is poor form. If no then there was absolutely no point in testing.

witchypaws · 06/12/2023 08:53

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This is what living with covid looks like though

People insist it's just a cold, we don't need to take any precautions or be off work etc
Then people keep catching it and some people are unwell and can't work with it
So 4 covid infections will be normal

You can't tell people to come to work with covid then get pissed off if someone is off 4 times unwell with it

NotFastButFurious · 06/12/2023 08:48

I tested recently for exactly the same reason - I'd have been sitting next to someone who was in the shielding category if i'd gone in the office. I was ill enough to take a couple of days off sick and then I worked from home the rest of the week (but appreciate not everyone has that option).

TizerorFizz · 06/12/2023 08:48

Test for your own purposes if you wish. If you can work, work, Most of us keep going now. Hospital visits and work are different.

clearspilt · 06/12/2023 08:48

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x2boys · 06/12/2023 08:47

Well.oh can test if you want but many employers expect staff to work.if they are well.enough Covid or no covid.

Everley · 06/12/2023 08:46

I would have done exactly the same as you. I think the panic around Covid has largely deflated but it is still there and certain people do still need to be protected from it, as they do other illnesses which may make existing health conditions worse.

clearspilt · 06/12/2023 08:46

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