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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to call in sick for suspected strep throat?

56 replies

FaithLoveandHope · 22/08/2016 06:10

I started getting cold like symptoms last week and called in sick on Friday as I felt so weak, my head was extremely fuzzy and I just generally felt rough. Over the weekend I've developed a really bad cough and I've been up all night coughing. My throat and chest are really sore and I keep going hot and cold, I think I may have strep throat or something. WIBU to call in sick again? I feel so bad just thinking about it, like I'm letting people down as there are a few people on holiday this week so I really need to be in work.

OP posts:
RoughMagic · 22/08/2016 07:42

Strep throat is what Americans call tonsillitis. Short for streptococcus. Maybe it's a regional thing in the UK too?

If your boss says you have to go in because there in no cover, I would try and make it in I think. Take 2 paracetamol and 2 Nurofen and get some throat lozenges.

OliveBranchCollins · 22/08/2016 07:43

If it is strep throat I mean

Fortitudine · 22/08/2016 07:46

Your boss is an idiot. It sounds like tonsillitis. I had this last week, but saw my GP immediately as I'm prone to it, and the sooner I start antibiotics the better. I was first ill on Wednesday and today is the first day I feel fit for work (I had booked leave last week). Get a doctor's note if your boss is being an arse, but he/she is not medically qualified, and is not the judge of how ill you are.

BlossomHillOne · 22/08/2016 07:48

Olivebranch - Tonsillitis can be bacterial as well as viral.

Idefix · 22/08/2016 07:49

Paracetamol and ibuprofen, taken regularly if you can take it and antiseptic throat lozenges and lots of fluids.
A day off if all the above done and you are still shivering with a fever are the rules in our house.
Sometimes you need a day off.

RoganJosh · 22/08/2016 07:50

Tonsilitis can be either caused by a virus or bacteria (streptococcus).
If you've a cough, it's likely to be viral, if you've pus on your tonsils and you've had it more than three days it's likely to be bacterial.
That's how my gp decides whether antibiotics would be useful or not.

Not totally relevant to the question of taking time off work...

Just5minswithDacre · 22/08/2016 07:50

I thought 'strep throat' was a common term in the US because they do swab/test routinely for things and so often can pinpoint a cause for things we treat conservatively here (?)

llhj · 22/08/2016 07:58

Where's this idea come from? Thought strep throat could only be diagnosed via blood test?
Isn't a sore throat or tonsillitis?
If you're really sick, you take it off.

StillStayingClassySanDiego · 22/08/2016 08:01

It doesn't really matter what job the OP does, she's ill.

I know that Hmm but I'm nosey.

SecretSpy · 22/08/2016 08:02

Your boss isn't your mum who decides if you get a day off or not, No, I'm feverish and not well enough to come in will do.

cariboo · 22/08/2016 08:05

Strep throat is quickly and easily diagnosed with a swab taken by healthcare professional.

watchingthedetectives · 22/08/2016 08:06

These threads are always people looking for justification not to go to work. Take some neurofen and if you feel better go in and if you don't feel better go to the GP and then to bed
No one here knows how bad you feel - time to get off Mumsnet and take some action

KickAssAngel · 22/08/2016 08:06

Strep throat can be diagnosed by a swab (I live in the US where it is tested for). When I had it, the doctor did a swab, then prescribed me with anti-B's as she could tell it was bacterial not a virus.

It felt completely different from tonsillitis and there was no cough.

When I had pertussis it felt pretty much like strep (again checked by a swab).

But you can just have a horrid crappy cold/cough and still feel like you're near death.

If you have a temp, stay home.

Sandsnake · 22/08/2016 08:10

Not your fault that your boss can't plan their workforce appropriately. Sounds like you need to stay home - hope you feel better soon. [flower]

Idefix · 22/08/2016 08:12

I think the op is feeling torn about what to do as she took Friday of when she felt rough perhaps OK to go in with analgesia but now feels more unwell and feels bad iyswim.

Three days sore throat rule where the problem gets worse or you are drooling and can't swallow are signs that you need a go appt.

We don't routinely swab in uk as in most cases it is viral and will get better without abx.

I do hope you feel better soon op

WhatamessIgotinto · 22/08/2016 08:15

Go in and cough all over your boss. That'll learn em.

(Not really, stay home and go to bed).

llhj · 22/08/2016 08:23

Sorry meant swab not blood test. I thought it was connected to tonsillitis in many cases.

ilovesooty · 22/08/2016 08:33

Stay off. You're sick.

NeedACleverNN · 22/08/2016 08:43

I thought strep throat was English and mono was American

You do sound very poorly. I would ring your boss back and tell her you CANT come in.

SuburbanRhonda · 22/08/2016 08:48

Is calling it "strep throat" like people with a cough calling it "flu"?

Christabella21 · 22/08/2016 08:51

I have the same today (throat and ear infection and generally feel like shit). I'm working from home under a blanket with day nurse and plenty of cups of tea. If you can't work from home at least stay at home and rest, give your body a chance to recover or you will just be poorly for longer. Get well soon! Flowers

flumpybear · 22/08/2016 09:29

May be tonsillitis - take a photograph of your throat with flash on, if it's got white spots it's tonsillitis - if it's red it's viral probably

flumpybear · 22/08/2016 09:33

Oh and if it is white spots then get to your GP for antibiotics
Strep and tonsillitis with white spots = bacterial and needs antibiotics

Twodogsandahooch · 22/08/2016 09:36

I'm not sure any of us can diagnose the OP over the net. To be honest it doesn't matter whether this is a bacterial or viral illness- if you are feeling unwell don't go in! Ps mono is short for infectious mononucleosis - glandular fever

Believeitornot · 22/08/2016 09:41

Tonsillitis can be bacterial or viral. Bacterial is rarer I think.