# Got a cold or flu? - stay the fuck home! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 7, 2015, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243 "2015-01-07T18:24:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2015, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243/21 "2015-01-07T19:21:42Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Did you read Anaamika’s post ? Yeah, I did. How does that apply to anybody who works at a place without a good sick plan? > [@DrDeth](#): > > But honestly, it doesnt matter. You are responsible for your own actions, and if YOU work at a place with crappy sick leave then you’re even more of a asshole for spreading it to your co-workers. What kind of an entitled ass are you? Do you seriously think the vast majority of Americans have the means and opportunity to pick and choose employers that offer such benefits? Next, I suppose you’ll say poor people have insurance - the emergency room. > [@D\_Anconia](#): > > Why? Employers are not a charity. Why should they pay people who aren’t working? The reason my employer (among others) offers paid sick time is so employees don’t drag their sick asses to work and spread disease. When multiple employees get sick, productivity goes south fast. It’s more cost effective to pay for some sick time so the workforce as a whole stays healthy. That’s some penny wise, pound foolish, cutting off your nose to spite your face bullshit right there. I can’t believe this question was serious. This isn’t some new-fangled leftist thinking but pretty well established in HR circles for a few decades now. I’m trying to figure out if this is Poe’s Law at work or if you really are just dumb. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2015, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243/22 "2015-01-07T19:22:21Z")
Well, I am the one who posted the original thing, and I can tell you there is no goddamn reason for any of these assholes to drag themselves to work coughing and sneezing. - We have hundreds and hundreds of sick hours. Seriously, I accumulate them every year and they are the only thing that stacks up. I don’t care if you feel fine, Myrtle, you’re still infecting all of us! - Our boss is quite happy for people to stay home rather than infect us. - We work for a not for profit. Our busy time starts in February. Now is the time to stay home and take the time, so you’ll be geared up for February. - We do not do anything that is vital and cannot wait a few days. - A portion of what we do can be done from home (phone and email)! Ok, fine YOUR sick policy sucks. Ours doesn’t and there is no reason for selfish assholes to drag themselves in. It doesn’t make them look good, it just makes everyone else hate them. Worse, they come and stand over your desk! ---
**Author:** ![D\_Anconia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@D\_Anconia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Anconia)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2015, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243/23 "2015-01-07T19:22:57Z")
> [@Frylock](#): > > Agreed. > > It’s the government that should be giving paid sick time. You’re funny. ---
**Author:** ![Steophan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steophan/32/9595_2.png) [@Steophan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steophan)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2015, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243/24 "2015-01-07T19:23:53Z")
> [@Frylock](#): > > I think there’s some confusion here. If you’re able to come to work, you don’t have the flu. If you have the flu, you are lucky if you can get out of bed. > [@DrDeth](#): > > Demonstrably false. No, it’s demonstrably true. Idiots like you that conflate colds and flu are part of the problem. Colds aren’t serious, they just make you feel crappy for a few days, but don’t stop anyone (apart from maybe actors or singers) working. The flu makes you unable to move, and kills people. No-one can do their job with the flu. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2015, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243/25 "2015-01-07T19:26:16Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Yeah, cause none of them have family at home who they could bring the flu home to. > > It’s just plain selfish to come to work with a known infectious disease. By doing so you are a asshole of the first degree. Sometimes there are no good options. Sometimes people have to choose the least bad choice, and that might be going to work. ---
**Author:** ![Frylock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ce7236/32.png) [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2015, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243/26 "2015-01-07T19:26:35Z")
> [@D\_Anconia](#): > > You’re funny. I’ll be here all week. ---
**Author:** ![Av8trix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/90db22/32.png) [@Av8trix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Av8trix)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2015, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243/27 "2015-01-07T19:26:38Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > Ok, fine YOUR sick policy sucks. Ours doesn’t and there is no reason for selfish assholes to drag themselves in. It doesn’t make them look good, it just makes everyone else hate them. > > Worse, they come and stand over your desk! Spray em with Lysol when they’re in your airspace? =D Yeah, I can’t understand wanting to come to work sick when there’s a good policy in place. I don’t love my job so much that I couldn’t take a couple days off. =) ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2015, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243/28 "2015-01-07T19:26:49Z")
> [@Great\_Antibob](#): > > Yeah, I did. How does that apply to anybody who works at a place without a good sick plan? > > What kind of an entitled ass are you? > > . It applies as sick plan or not- stay home. If there is a great sick plan, _use it._ if there isnt you are being even more of a ass as you are infecting your co-workers at a job with crappy sick benefits- and when many dudes get the flu, they are so damn sick they _can’t_ come into work. The “entitled ass” is the worker who thinks he is a precious snowflake and he- _and only he_- has bills. His co-workers have bills too. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Anconia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@D\_Anconia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Anconia)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2015, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243/29 "2015-01-07T19:28:24Z")
> [@Great\_Antibob](#): > > The reason my employer (among others) offers paid sick time is so employees don’t drag their sick asses to work and spread disease. When multiple employees get sick, productivity goes south fast. How about people showing some personal responsibility, and not showing up for work sick, regardless of a particular employer’s policy? ---
**Author:** ![Antinor01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecae2f/32.png) [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2015, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243/30 "2015-01-07T19:30:32Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > Well, I am the one who posted the original thing, and I can tell you there is no goddamn reason for any of these assholes to drag themselves to work coughing and sneezing. > > - We have hundreds and hundreds of sick hours. Seriously, I accumulate them every year and they are the only thing that stacks up. I don’t care if you feel fine, Myrtle, you’re still infecting all of us! > - Our boss is quite happy for people to stay home rather than infect us. > - We work for a not for profit. Our busy time starts in February. Now is the time to stay home and take the time, so you’ll be geared up for February. > - We do not do anything that is vital and cannot wait a few days. > - A portion of what we do can be done from home (phone and email)! > > Ok, fine YOUR sick policy sucks. Ours doesn’t and there is no reason for selfish assholes to drag themselves in. It doesn’t make them look good, it just makes everyone else hate them. > > Worse, they come and stand over your desk! I remember having a job like that. It was great because I could call out when needed, or if I went in and seemed sick my boss would tell me to go home. I wish I could do that now but the policy at my current job is far stricter and I have a lot less pto. I’m sorry if anyone else gets a cold because of me but I can’t be unemployed again or lll probably lose my home. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2015, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243/31 "2015-01-07T19:31:09Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > It’s just plain selfish to come to work with a known infectious disease. This is the Republican Way. As long as I have my money, you can die in a dumpster fire, and it’s OK. Thus, we have no Governmental oversight over things like sick days, which are a Public Health Issue, because Big Government Bad Get in Way of Business! We have no Universal Health Care to encourage people to get the treatment they need because Socialism Bad, Give Things to Lazy Poor! People who don’t have good jobs with liberal sick day policies are told they are selfish assholes just because they want to keep their jobs and not go bankrupt. ---
**Author:** ![Frylock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ce7236/32.png) [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2015, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243/32 "2015-01-07T19:34:06Z")
> [@D\_Anconia](#): > > How about people showing some personal responsibility, and not showing up for work sick, regardless of a particular employer’s policy? They’re showing personal responsibility by taking care of their family financially. You can show personal responsibility by ensuring the safety of people who aren’t your family, or show personal responsibility by ensuring the well-being of people who are your family. Both are ways to show personal responsibility. Personal responsibility isn’t really the issue here. The issue is something else, about which I care not to speculate. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2015, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243/33 "2015-01-07T19:34:49Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Not an excuse. by coming to work, now you have made many of your co-workers now get sick and perhaps have demerits. Or take it home to their family, and now gramps is dead. Nice. But you didnt get that demerit! Win! > > Your employer is a ass. Get another job. Organize a union. Go on strike. Good god, you’re a twat. And a fucking stupid one as well. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2015, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243/34 "2015-01-07T19:35:47Z")
> [@Steophan](#): > > The flu makes you unable to move, and kills people. No-one can do their job with the flu. Umm, no. [http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htm](http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htm) “Influenza (also known as the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause\*\* mild\*\* to severe illness…” [http://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm](http://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm) “Most people with the flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs.” Bolding mine. > **[Many Americans go to work when sick, survey shows, even in flu season](https://www.cleveland.com/healthfit/2014/02/many_americans_go_to_work_when.html)** > > A recent NSF survey found that many Americans go to work sick, mostly because they feel they have too much work or can't afford to miss a day. - More than one-quarter of Americans admit to going to work when they’re sick, according to a flu season survey of workplace attitudes and habits by NSF International.\* > **[Do You Have a Cold or Something More Serious?](https://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-flu-pictures/signs-its-more-than-a-cold.aspx)** > > Runny nose, headache, muscles aches, fever, and sore throat are symptoms of many different illnesses. Read on for signs you may not just have a cold. > **[How sick is too sick to go to work during flu season?](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-sick-is-too-sick-to-go-to-work-during-flu-season/)** > > Survey reveals about 60 percent of Americans go to work when they are sick, potentially spreading even more germs \*“The flu costs about $7 billion a year in sick days and lost productivity,” Dr. Charles Gerba, professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona, told [CBSNews.com](http://CBSNews.com). “The indirect costs such as missed work and reduced productivity are even greater – studies have shown that sick workers on the job costs the U.S. economy $180 billion a year in profits and lost productivity.” A recent nationally-representative survey of more than 1,000 people conducted by Kimberly-Clark Professional showed that 59 percent of people still go to work when they are sick.\* ---
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2015, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243/35 "2015-01-07T19:36:41Z")
Couldn’t you just have read one of the previous years versions of this exact same thread? Why do we have to have a new one every year? You already know how it’s going to develop so why waste the time. ---
**Author:** ![Frylock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ce7236/32.png) [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2015, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243/36 "2015-01-07T19:37:50Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Umm, no. > > [http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htm](http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htm) > > “Influenza (also known as the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause\*\* mild\*\* to severe illness…” > > [http://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm](http://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm) > > “Most people with the flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs.” Huh. While the main point you’re making in this pit thread is generally stupid and indefensible, in this particular post you’ve fought my ignorance so that’s something. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2015, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243/37 "2015-01-07T19:41:47Z")
> [@Frylock](#): > > Huh. While the main point you’re making in this pit thread is generally stupid and indefensible, in this particular post you’ve fought my ignorance so that’s something. Thanks, I guess. ( **They dont call me Doctor Deth for nothing** - _oh, wait, they do_)In your defense, you may be one of those who get the flu so bad that \*you cant go to work. \* And, if true, then- do you want your co-worker coming to work sick to give you the flu? ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2015, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243/38 "2015-01-07T19:46:10Z")
The best answer to this, of possible, is a good telework policy. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Anconia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@D\_Anconia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Anconia)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2015, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243/39 "2015-01-07T19:48:29Z")
> [@Frylock](#): > > They’re showing personal responsibility by taking care of their family financially. > > You can show personal responsibility by ensuring the safety of people who aren’t your family, or show personal responsibility by ensuring the well-being of people who are your family. Both are ways to show personal responsibility. No. It’s in no way responsible to knowingly expose your contagious diseases to others. Sorry. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2015, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243/40 "2015-01-07T19:51:52Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > This is the Republican Way. As long as I have my money, you can die in a dumpster fire, and it’s OK. > > Thus, we have no Governmental oversight over things like sick days, which are a Public Health Issue, because Big Government Bad Get in Way of Business! We have no Universal Health Care to encourage people to get the treatment they need because Socialism Bad, Give Things to Lazy Poor! > > People who don’t have good jobs with liberal sick day policies are told they are selfish assholes just because they want to keep their jobs and not go bankrupt. This is the Democrat way. Blame everything on Republicans instead of actually doing anything to help fix the problem. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-cold-or-flu-stay-the-fuck-home/709243.md?page=3)