Going to staff Xmas party with a cough

[Sallyh87]

So I had a very bad cold last week (as did my children). I’m recovered but I have a lingering very bad hacking cough. It’s really gross. My staff Xmas lunch is tomorrow and I feel that no one would really want me there coughing. DH thinks it’s not a big deal and I should go. I just feel like I wouldn’t want to sit next to a bad cougher.

For context, I am on maternity leave so no obligation to go, but probably an expectation that I would do so.

YABU - go
YANBU - obviously stay home and away from colleagues!

Nope, in a post Covid world nobody wants someone coughing all over the show at an event.

No, don’t go. Lingering tickly cough maybe, but disgusting hacking cough, absolutely no, nobody wants to eat next to that! Sorry OP but I think you are right here.

Our team is down to 2 people after someone turned up to a staff event with a "bad cough". If you have tested for COVID then yeah go if you want but it isn't great to give your colleagues a cold before Christmas.
If you haven't returned a negative test then don't. If someone catches COVID it might mean missing celebrations with a vulnerable relative.

Thanks all, appreciate the response and I agree entirely. It’s a no from me!

On the plus side since DH is already taking the day off to do childcare, I can treat myself to a lie in and maybe a delivered coffee! So not all bad.

Usually I am one for saying carry on through.

But I went to my works Xmas do a couple of weeks ago (yes it was in November!) and sat opposite someone coughing and spluttering all night. A week later I was on my arse with an awful cold. I wasn't impressed. So now, I'd say don't. Your poor colleague could end up with your lurgy just in time for Xmas.

I would go, that many colds are doing the rounds chances are if it's not you someone else there will have it. We avoid seeing vulnerable relatives at Christmas because of this, we will see them all summer when it's better

I wouldn't want to go just because the noise levels rise once everyone gets a drink in them and everyone ends up shouting. And venues crank up the music which makes it harder 🙄It's harder on your throat especially if you get a tickle.

If you feel you're capable though go for it.

Yes totally agree that you should stay away with a cough. I’ve missed several social events over the past week because of catching this horrible cold/cough. I also missed my work Xmas lunch yesterday. I have been told that other people attended who were also ill and everyone is pretty peed off with them.

Why are people still talking about covid? It doesn't matter what it is, nobody will want to be sat next to somebody with a hacking cough, and definitely they won't want to catch whatever it is you've got.

I went to the theatre last night and a woman sat directly behind me sneezing and coughing continuously through the performance. It was gross and really pissed me off. Incredibly selfish to go to an enclosed space and spread your germs.

I don’t think I’m looking for an excuse, but that’s probably what DH is thinking. I like my colleagues, the lunch would be nice and it would be good to see them. However, no I’m not burning with desire to travel there and back.

I would go if I didn’t have the cough and really wanted to know if it’s acceptable to attend with one.

It is a lingering cough and I’ll probably have it for another week or two but I am concerned that if I turn up with it and then other people get sick I will be blamed!

Going against the grain here but as you had a cold last week and the cough is just lingering, the virus should no longer be contagious.

Though like many on this thread your colleagues may think ewww and back away from you!

Even if you're not contagious, you will end up being blamed for whatever virus anyone catches within a week of the lunch. So no, I wouldn't go.

It’s tricky as you’ll no longer be contagious but also I wouldn’t want someone coughing all over me. So unless you can be very clear and let everyone know it’s a week since you were ill etc etc.

No you shouldn't go to events like this until your symptoms have cleared up. Was the experience so great you want to share it with others and hopefully ruin their Christmas? Of course not, you are right to stay away.

I was in close contact with 2 bad coughers last week & wondered what the fuck they were doing out in that state. Now me who has only had 2 colds in 12 years, has since got a bastard of a cough with all the trimmings. Your hacker would make me gag whilst eating, so you made the right decision. Plus since COVID, a cough will no longer ever be just that.

I don’t think I’ve led a sheltered life but did you say a delivered coffee?

@StoodySmithereens, yes Deliveroo or Just Eat do Costa Costa deliveries. It is a very rare treat maybe once or twice a year but a Christmas themed coffee and panini is one of my vices. Since I’m saving money not attending the lunch I might as well!

Thanks all, consensus is don’t attend. That’s definitely what I thought, but I was concerned people would think I was using a flimsy excuse.

I certainly don’t want to make anyone sick ever but particularly before Christmas. I don’t want to be blamed for any illness they may get and also generally make people feel uneasy.

Thanks for taking the time.