I think it is all in the way someone communicates with you... I treat everyone with respect and expect others to treat me the same.
I do not expect others to understand that there are various medical conditions ranging from Allergies to SARS that could trigger a cough. But I do expect them not to be rude or insulting just because I am sick.
This cab driver sounded like he was out of line. If he did not want to accept your money he could have done various things such as clean his hands right after he took your money, had you place it someplace for him or simply said its on me today without making any mention of your health. Apparently tact is a lost art these days and that is quite unfortunate.
I do not advertise that I have CF in my opinion that is no ones business but mine. When I cough a lot or get comments I usually just try to put people at ease by saying I have bad Allergies (it is something that everyone can understand and not panic about and the truth). The last thing I want to be doing when I cannot catch my breath or stop coughing is try to explain to someone that I have a medical condition known as cystic fibrosis and that I am not contagious or going to die in front of them or anything like that.
Most of the time I blow off the stares, the nasty comments under peoples breath etc. and some times I actually have fun with it (when people really are being ridiculous) but there are times especially when I do not feel well at all that it just gets to me as well so I fully understand why you were upset and you have a right to be.
Hang in there at least ya got a free cab ride <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">
