Co-workers

[lovemygirl]

I am the mother of a 5 yr old with CF. I work part-time and am currently sharing a phone with a new employee, because they have not given him one yet (it sits between the 2 desks). This employee was off last week with pneumonia and when he returned today I asked that he share a phone with someone else because I did not want to risk bringing home any of the germs and risk my child getting sick.
Some people thought I was overreacting and I took offense, while others understood and backed me up.
Is pneumonia contagious (sick person says it is not)? Am I over reacting? Has anyone else run into a similar situation?
I don't mean to offend this person but I cannot worry about hurting someone else's feelings when my daughters health is at risk.

Thanks!

 

[anonymous]

The viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia are contagious and are usually found in fluid from the mouth or nose of an infected person. Illness can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes on a person, by sharing drinking glasses and eating utensils, and when a person touches the used tissues or handkerchiefs of an infected person. hope this helps.. i get all in a panic when others are sick also


Melissa mom to dylan 6 no cf and caleb 4wcf

 

[julie]

I don't think you are overreacting. It doesn't sound like this was a closed door request with your employer and or the employee (or both) from the way you stated what went on. Hindsight is great, not that you can change anything now... but maybe for next time a simple request of your boss to pass it down not as a request to the other employee but rather an instruction.... Just a thought. Sometimes it's just the way your approach it.

Additionally, making such request behind a closed door with either your boss, or if the employee is approachable usually works the best. Also, a box of alcohol pads in your desk drawer can help out a bit to clean, I have them at work. Some people understand, some people think I am strange (who cares!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and some people "back me up" because they know how private my husband is so they feel my reasons for being so clean (I'm only neurotic with the phone- I swear) and it is nobody's business why I do what I do.

Stand for what you feel is best for your family though!