To go into the office with a cough?

[Aquarelles]

I'm conscious that people are trying not to catch any germs at this time of year but unfortunately I have some, and I'm in the office.

Had a cold over the weekend, took the Monday off, came back in yesterday and have developed this annoying tickly cough. Yesterday, my cough was pretty bad - I sat in my office with the door closed all day. Today I've got my door propped open but also window open behind me and my cough isn't nearly as bad as it was. Any major coughing fits I do need to have, I go to the bathroom.

The guy two offices down from me is clearly getting pissed off. He makes a comment every time he passes my door on the way to the kitchen and latest trip he asked if I've done a Covid test (I have). He doesn't work here - he's a paid consultant.

AIBU to think well tough, this is my job and I'm feeling well enough to do it so I'm here. If he's not happy, he can shut his own door or move upstairs to another office. Or am I being really irresponsible?

While obviously people should try not pass on bugs and people can and shout look after their own health by avoiding people who they suspect are ill etc, unfortunately germs and gunna germ.

Aye it's crap when you catch something now, but it's life! It's not a new thing. People have been ill over Xmas for as long as we've had Xmas. I've currently got COVID (tested positive yesterday) and I'm obviously a bit gutted but we're just getting on with it!

Can't you call in sick OP?

Well I'd rather not because I'm not sick. I just have an annoying tickly throat.

You have prioritised squaring off your work as higher than other people not getting your germs and wrecking their Christmas. De facto unreasonable I'm afraid.

You're at the tail end of a virus, the coughing is just the body's way of getting the bad stuff out. Take cough sweets and tell your colleague to stuff it. I've been unlucky catching two viruses in November and now in December, and I have been working from home.

I think it's her work policy that has prioritised work higher than that, given that the policy isn't "stay home if you might infect other people just before Christmas" - it's "stay home if you don't feel well enough to come to work".

I know exactly how you feel though OP, I've been sick since Nov 27th - I was too sick to work (office or WFH) the first week, the second week I could WFH, and since then I've had a tickly wheezy cough for many more weeks. I'm sure other people in the office hear me cough and think "ugh, germs" but I haven't been sick (or infectious) for at least 3 weeks.

Of course you can go into the office if a cough is your only symptom. We had a virus last month and it gave us all a cough that lasted a couple of weeks after the rest of the symptoms had gone. We could call in sick to work and school for two weeks with a cough and nothing else wrong.

Even in the height of covid lockdown, a lingering cough was never a reason to remain self-isolated, after the isolation period.

*couldnt call in sick

Thank you all. I'm beginning to think working from home today and having a slightly longer day in the office tomorrow to get finished up would have been the sensible option.

He's just walked past, opened my door, and made a comment about contacting a plague doctor I've got the hint.

So. Was back in with doctor yesterday for a check up as he had a chest infection. Dh was talking to her about coughs, she said this winter the average cough is taking 5 weeks to lift!! Saying that you’re in the early stages so I guess it’s less consistent in the last few weeks and your ‘co worker’ is probably on edge from it if it’s as non stop as you say

What a knobhead, why is he opening the door and speaking to you like that? Don't let him force you out

I'm already here now so don't plan on leaving. If he's not happy, he can stop opening my door

Definitely fair enough to go in yesterday then if you couldn't have worked from home & as you have your own office.

If he was what bothered today, he wouldn't have opened your door to comment about plague doctors!

I hope you feel better soon.

You should have wfh or worn a mask. My last two Christmas's have been ruined by covid and other illness. I would not be happy to have a third ruined by someone coming into the office knowingly unwell.

Make a complaint to HR about him.

Whether you are right or wrong about being in whilst coughing is irrelevant. He is being unprofessional and attempting to bully you.

Bet he wouldn't do the same to a man.

Personally I think if you're following your work policy then you're ok. Being able to take time off sick or work from home when you're not actually that unwell is a very privileged position, something that a large chunk of Mumsnet often fail to understand.

It doesn't really matter if the person complaining works there or not. He is a human with a body at risk of being infected by your body. He is entitled to feel uncomfortable about that. He might be clinically vulnerable, you don't know.

It's inconsiderate to come to work with a cough/ cold/ virus if you can help it and have the option not to.

He sounds like a twat. Why doesn't he just stay away from your office if he's that bothered?

Irresponsible, I think. Someone has just trashed my Christmas by going out with covid. A tickly cough seems to be one of the symptoms. I feel dreaful, and I was supposed to be hosting this year, but I have two family members who are vulnerable... So no Christmas this year. TBH, I feel so lousy right now, I don't care.

If you must go in, wear a mask.

This is the one that I have, absolutely fed up of it. Wake up every day hoping it's gone. I sound dreadful when I cough and at least another week of it

Obviously a source of contention in most offices these days but it sounds like you have a private office and no in-person meetings? Just keep the door shut and no problem.

It’s such a tricky one.

My employer policy is to work, positive or not.
Capitalism for you.

I have stayed off with covid previously, but now with limited testing I only stay off with things such as D&V, anything else if I feel ok I go in and mask up.

If I was off, it would be like earlier this year when I was on “record of conversation” stage with HR for being off twice in 6 months.

Wish employer was better, but alas, they are not.

Im currently avoiding all large groups etc as much as possible now so as not to spoil the “big day” with any nasties and hoping for the best!

I think you should have just kept your door shut.

I've no idea why and when people got so absolutely spooked and paranoid over normal viral symptoms
Even covid is a very mild virus for most people. If you're clinically vulnerable you will presumably have had your boosters so I don't know why anyone with a run of the mill cough/cold is viewed with such suspicion and contempt

And these people who are so scared of catching a bug for Christmas do you not go shopping? Get petrol? Have kids at school who bring germs home?