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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to work from home because of a cold sore?

133 replies

PoolDepth · Yesterday 11:56

Friday afternoon I started feeling a tingle on my lips and by Saturday morning had 3 small blisters in the corner of my mouth. I immediately applied a Compeed cold sore patch and booked a private GP prescription for Valtrex tablets. Took 2000mg last night, then another 2000mg this morning. Still using the patch too.

I originally got cold sores from a girl in year 2, so forever ago and haven’t had one for over 10 years.

Anyway, I look awful!! The patches make the blisters look white and puffy. I’m so self conscious about it. I’ve booked another private GP call for tomorrow morning to discuss another prescription. At least the patch helps keep the infection sealed 🙈🤦🏼‍♀️

I just mentioned to DH that I’m not going into the office on Tuesday (perhaps at all next week if it doesn’t improve) and will have to say I’m unwell/injured with something else and work from home (we have to go into the office 3 times a week usually, but I can absolutely do my job from home this week). He says I’m being vain and overreacting.

Thoughts please? I think there’s a massive taboo around herpes!! I’d hate to see a colleague with this being in the office and I’d worry about transmission. I’m constantly washing my hands at the moment.

Surely it’s better to stay away from public places with an active infection. I would be too embarrassed to tell my boss or team the real reason why!!

OP posts:
BambinaCucina · Yesterday 12:08

I genuinely do understand the upset from looking different to how you normally do; my initial thought is the same if something happens.

However, people have far too much else on their plates and, unless you're in the habit of kissing all your colleagues, they're not going to care that you have a cold sore. They're really quite common.

CruelsummerTS · Yesterday 12:07

If WFH is an option you can take for whatever reason then why not. YANBU. It’s more hygienic to stay away and not mix with people, especially if the office has shared equipment like phones (eg hot desking) or kitchen stuff like communal coffee mugs.

I would hate to share an office space with someone who has an active cold sore tbh I would worry about hand washing etc.

Also if you feel insecure because of how you look then you’ll be distracted at work and contribute less to meetings etc.

StripyHorse · Yesterday 12:05

Sorry, re read your OP. You can WFH. If so, what is the issue? Just do that.

Snorlaxo · Yesterday 12:04

Waiting for the drip feed about having health anxiety…

StripyHorse · Yesterday 12:04

If you can WFH - then it's maybe not too bad, you can be a bit vague and say you are feeling under the weather and will WFH for a couple of days.

If this isn't an option and you would actually have to take the time of sick - then yes, YABU.

Newyearawaits · Yesterday 12:03

Holy Lord

titchy · Yesterday 12:01

bridgetjonesmassivepants · Yesterday 11:59

Is this a wind up? In the nicest possible way, your husband is right, get yourself into work.
Also two private GP calls???!! What the heck? For a cold sore? No one will give a monkeys about your cold sore.

This! Just buy some Zovirax from Boots and get to work.

bridgetjonesmassivepants · Yesterday 11:59

Is this a wind up? In the nicest possible way, your husband is right, get yourself into work.
Also two private GP calls???!! What the heck? For a cold sore? No one will give a monkeys about your cold sore.