AIBU to be in work whilst unwell

[Butterflyone1]

I recently started a new job about seven weeks ago and whilst it's a large company with lots of security, I always find you're extra careful during your probation period.

I've currently got a chest infection (confirmed by doctor as viral) so I've been coughing a lot. I know it must be annoying for my colleagues but I've had this for two weeks now and it's not improving.

I'm on antibiotics as I had an infected piercing but because the chest infection is viral, the antibiotics won't help.

I don't think it's contagious as my DP hasn't caught it (and obviously I'm very close to him) plus I'm very careful to cover my mouth whilst coughing and use hand sanitizer. I've even said to people I won't shake their hands due to the cough (which I think is courteous).

A few colleagues have said how I shouldn't be in work and should be resting up but I can't do that for two weeks. I worked from home on Friday (and that helped) and I'm going to ask to WFH tomorrow so I think that's fair.

I'm just wondering if these colleagues are trying to be kind or whether they are just super annoyed with my coughing. I've barely been sleeping as I'm awaking coughing but I'm still able to focus on my work.

Just wondering you're thoughts?

I'm just wondering if these colleagues are trying to be kind or whether they are just super annoyed with my coughing

Ask them.

I’m on the fence, sorry not helpful but you probably should be of work or working from home for a few days.

Personally, I really can't stand people at work when ill.

If you're genuinely sick (which you are) and colleagues have noticed it, I would take a few days off so that you can recover properly.

Rest is important when getting over infections and you're not doing yourself any favours by going into work.

Hope you feel better soon.

Ask your Manager?

Thanks for the replies. The thing is I'm sick but I'm not too sick not to work (hope that makes sense).

I feel weak, tired, sore etc but I have a desk job so I'm fine sat at my desk typing/reading etc.

I'm going to speak to my Manager regarding the WFH tomorrow and casually mention I must be annoying with all the coughing and see what he says.

Colleagues always say this but don’t do it themselves as they know it will be on sickness record. I would prefer people didn’t come in as I get very ill with simple viruses but I know that’s not practical because you get pulled into HR office for meetings because of poor absence record. Speak to manager, there may be somewhere you could move to while coughing/possibly infectious, they may encourage you to take time off and they will see how hard you have tried to continue working

I work in an airconditioned padded cell police control room. No opening windows so infection rampages merrily through staff. Management glibly trot out "we would much rather you stayed at home and got better than come in and spread it around" while on the other hand putting people on sickness plans and grilling them daily as to when they can be expected back.
It's no surprise people come in when ill