Sick Co-Workers

I work in an office, and there are several women in the office that have really bad colds. I don't understand why they continue coming in to work and hacking, gagging, coughing, sneezing, and snotting all over everything!!

I am freaking out......I am scheduled for surgery next Friday (10/9) and I am scared to death that I am going to get sick before then and have to postpone my surgery!!

Any suggestions on what I can do to try and keep from catching whatever it is they have. I will be SO upset if my surgery gets postponed! As you all know, waiting is the worst part, and I'm getting so close to the big day - I don't want something to come along and cause it to be postponed!!

LoriAnne, I was in your very position right before my surgery. We had six confirmed cases of swine flu in my office and I was so worried I would catch it. Hand sanitizer was my best friend, I use it like crazy. Also, when I went to the ladies room, after completely washing my hands I would use a paper hand towel to turn the faucet off, open the door, etc. That piece of towel stayed with me until I got back to my desk. I also wiped my desk down (phone, computer keyboard, arm rests on my chair, etc.) with the sanitzer wipes we keep at the office daily. We did have one girl in my department who would go around coughing without covering her mouth so I tried to be polite when I reminded her that our boss had just come back from surgery and I was about to go out, and that I could pull up the email from HR reminding everyone of these precautions if she'd like. She was not happy with me but what could she do? At this point you have to look out for yourself!!

Take care doll, good luck with your surgery

Hi LoriAnN. I am week three post op and I was very vocal with my co-workers about staying away from me in that last week. I brought disinfectant wipes to work and wiped down door handles ect. My co workers were very considerate and even wiped down my key board before and after our training sessions for my job. Ask them nicely to stay clear of you. Good luck!

The nurse at the doctors office told me to take Neosprin (sp) and put some on the end of to Q-tip, then swipe/rub around the very end tip of the nostril. It kind of makes a barrier. It feels nice also. I work at a school and both my kids have been sick. I also do the Nelimed (sp) nasal wash when I get home to get rid of anything else.

I was the same way and also very vocal at work. One girl was coughing like she was about to cough up a lung and would cover her mouth but only with her hand then touched everything! I handed her hand sanatizer and told her (in front of our boss) that my surgery was postponed by a week already and if I got sick then she could explain to MaryAnn why I have to postpone again. She was better after that but it is amazing how people dont think about how they can spread it to another person let alone one going in for major surgery.

Be vocal, much better then sick imo.

It is a shame that other people don't think about those around them. All you can do is keep your immune system healthy & keep away from the people who are sick. Best wishes.

Understand your concerns completely. I use antibacterial wipes to clean just about anything the day staff touches before my shift at night.
If you have to work with sick people and they won't wear a surgical type mask, you can purchase at local pharmacy and wear them for yourself.
This day and age, with all the stuff that is out there and the fact that people think they are sooooo tough that they can come in sick, you have to protect yourself and not think for a minute that anyone will have any consideration for others.
Hugs,
Suzanne

Oh my, I though I was the only one going through this, everywhere I go someone is sick, in my office and out. I am trying so hard to be careful, I got good tips here. I am going to primary dr. on Thurs. for medical release appt. I will discuss concerns then. I waited about 6wks for this date and do not want it postponed!!!! ughh!!!!

BSO- ovarian mass possible cancer 10/12/09 surgery