Whooping Cough at Work - Am I over reacting?

[AimeeLou84]

So for the last three weeks one of the directors in the office has been coughing. Yesterday she decided to go to the doctors and was informed that she has whooping cough. Obviously I’ve been in the office and in contact with her for 3 weeks!! Luckily I had my vaccine at 16 weeks and haven’t had no symptoms (touch wood). She started antibiotics yesterday but still stayed at work and the other directors agreed it was ok. I’m really not happy with this as I’m due to be induced in 4.5 weeks or c section in 5. So today I’ve told them I’m going to work from home as I’m not comfortable with coming in especially as it’s likely someone else will catch it now. Am I over reacting or being unreasonable here? I’m actually angry that the other directors just laughed it off and let her carry on sitting there while I’m heavily pregnant.

I'd work from home if you can and speak to your midwife or doctor for reassurance. I don't know what the dangers are if you've received the vaccine already, but I'd get advice and err on the side of caution.

But you have had the vaccine and already been in contact with her for weeks? Why are you so cross?

Yeah I’ve spoken to both last night and they said me and baby should be ok but no vaccine is 100% so I decided against going back in

Because no vaccine is 100% and if she’s passed it to others symptoms can take up to 21 days to appear and the more exposed you are to it the more likely it can effect you vaccine or not. I just think it’s inconsiderate

I understand that. I think if you can work feom home and you doing so doesn't make work life harder for anyone else or yourself then you may as well. Vaccines aren't 100% of course but you had yours at the appropriate time during your pregnancy so liklihood is you and baby will not catch it.

NHS advice takes it seriously.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/whooping-cough/#:~:text=Ask%20for%20an%20urgent%20GP,cough%20and%20you're%20pregnant

I'd be really annoyed too op. I know you've had the vaccine, but how can she be okay with potentially spreading it to others. I hate it when people come into work ill anyway.

This is what i mean like she’s left it nearly 3 weeks to go to the doctors now others are at risk. As a director you’d think she’d have a bit more common sense!

48 hours after starting antibiotics, they will no longer be infectious….nhs advice….you will be fine now to stay in office

In fairness, the likelihood of you catching it in the 48 hours between starting antibiotics after not catching it for the preceding three weeks is negligible.

I can understand you wanting to be cautious but, assuming you don't work weekends, you are fine to return on Monday.