In the past, there have been Pit threads about sick co-workers. In fact, I believe that today there is another thread which, while not espousing the exact same sentiments as “stay home, you sick freak!” could potentially reach that conclusion.
In light of this, I’ve decided to ask a (for all intents and purposes)* hypothetical question:
I am a college student, and I am sick today. I am certain that what I am sick with is contagious (say I caught it from someone else). I am not so sick that I cannot physically attend class, but I am sick enough that going to class would really, really suck. I would also be suffering from something rather like thewiz’s coworker’s ailment, in that I would be sniffling and/or blowing my nose every two nanoseconds.
Let’s assume that there are no pressing committments: no papers due, no tests, no lectures of highlighted importance. Let’s also assume that my previous absenses in the class have been few, but not non-existent (let’s say, one or two). In other words, my missing class would have no direct effect on my grade.
Should I go to class today?
On the one hand, I have an obligation to attend as many classes as possible. This would dictate attending class.
On the other hand, I have a moral obligation not to get the rest of the class sick for my own benefit. Since I am sneezing, coughing, and sniffling, this dictates that I should not have to go to class.
I’m at a loss: what do you think I should (hypothetically) do?
*[sub]This question is hypothetical. While the situation is, in fact, real, the posts in this thread will not have a chance to alter my opinion. I’m asking for people’s opinions on this only because I’m curious, not because I can’t make such a decision on my own.[/sub]
