To think that I CAN use cold remedies in the office?

[MrsElizabethShelby]

I have been told that I cannot use olbas oil/vaporub in the office due to a staff member who has asthma.

Staff remember sits approximately 40 feet away from me.

I understand no spraying of aerosols perfumes (already a rule) but olbas oil/vaporub to help with cold symptoms? Really?

AIBU to state that I am forced to go home ill if I cannot use things to ease my symptoms.to enableme to work?

Using olbas oil in an open plan office is inconsiderate even without someone with asthma.

@LolaSmiles It's an absolute pisstake to waste a GP app on a cold, and most, rightfully so, won't see you for one.

Not everyone can take decongestants. Not advisable if you have over or under active thyroid for example. I use Olbas Oil at home but wouldn’t use it at work.

I love the smell of olbas oil (controversial) but it’s strong and I wouldn’t use it at work. I’d put it in an oil burner next to bed though.

DP has asthma and olbas oil isn’t a trigger for him but different people have different triggers.

There are plenty of alternatives to olbas oil and vapour rub that you can use at work. You really wouldn’t want to be the one triggering her asthma attack at work. Not just morally but you could be disciplined if you have been warned about it, continue to do it and she has an asthma attack.

Whilst I think an asthmatic is bonkers to smoke, that’s her choice and is a separate issue to the olbas oil.

It's an absolute pisstake to waste a GP app on a cold, and most, rightfully so, won't see you for one.
Can't win on this thread. I wasn't suggesting that people should routinely go for a cold. It was in response to the idea that it's unreasonable to expect people to use any of the full range of over the counter products for a cold.

Either the OP is so unwell she can't be in work, or she's well enough to be in work with medicine from the pharmacy (that doesn't mean stinking the office out) and if, given the cries of 'but some people can't possibly take over the counter stuff' then they probably should be going to their GP to get appropriate medication.

Either way, there is no need for the olbas oil stench and most people can manage just fine with the range of over the counter products.

Someone in our office has a severe peanut allergy. We are not allowed to bring anything derived from peanuts into the office. If he has an anaphylactic shock in the office caused by peanuts then not only could he die but my company could also be sued.

I think the repercussions of this are more serious than you think, OP.

Ivy40 Tue 16-Jul-19 23:09:46
I love the smell of olbas oil (controversial) but it’s strong and I wouldn’t use it at work. I’d put it in an oil burner next to bed though.

So do I. And vicks & dettol, and petrol & creosote. I used to love Karvol as well and last time I was ill I tried to get the little pods you cut the top off, and they don't do them anymore apparently they are banned now for some reason according to the woman in Boots.

Karvol isn't banned they just stopped making them as the company was bought out. There is an alternative that is rather similar down to the same snippy capsules called Klear-Vol available in most pharmacies

Ahh thank you, I'll try to get some and see if they smell like ill childhood

Do you microwave fish as well OP?!

Have a lemsip, use your stinky things at home, you'll be fine in 5-7 days.

@Eliza9919

Mmmm, petrol!

I think we’re in the minority on here.

“Beryl’s asthma” is most likely code for “those smells are disgusting, stop it”.