Should I be off tomorrow

[Stones4bones]

Had a cough for a few days. Struggling to talk for more than a couple of mins at a time without a coughing fit and gasping to catch my breath. Throat is very sore so rasping rather than speaking. Leading a class trip on Friday with y2 to see santa so am concerned about protecting my voice to be able to manage behaviour on the trip with a tricky class. I'm not really sick but am definitely not 100%. Had an ear infection (almost cleared up), fuzzy head but not a headache.

Essentially, I'm not super sick but I'm not well enough to teach and don't know what to do? So much guilt about being off/fear of being told off and letting team down. If I worked at a desk I'd be in no problem, its just the amount of energy and talking needed to teach makes this hard to decide.

Bump

My throat is getting worse and I've got a headache now 😔 could really do with some advice from other teachers. None of my friends are teachers and have all said to stay off

I have no voice but went in (feel fine). Did take whistle with me to help with Von Trapp style behaviour management.
However, you sound like you're actually ill. You need to try and get actually better.

Have you had a COVID test? If you test positive, you might want to check your school protocol regarding this especially as you are going out of school premises on a school trip?
i would see how you are in the morning and then call in if you are not well when you wake up.

If you have no voice you shouldn't be working. You can do yourself permanent damage if you're not careful.

Maybe not what you want to hear but I will go in for the Trip, especially if it was set up based on you leading it, unless you are not the main teacher involved in it

Protect your voice and take some time off, Friday too if you need it. I know someone who had to leave the profession due to permanently damaging their voice - it's not worth it.

Does your school make you feel guilty for phoning in sick? That's not normal.