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Stop Bringing Sick Kids To School: Furious Mom Shows What Could Happen To Other Kids
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Stop Bringing Sick Kids To School: Furious Mom Shows What Could Happen To Other Kids

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One mom from Canada has taken to Instagram to speak out against parents who jeopardize her daughter’s health by taking their own sick children to school.

“I can’t for the life of me understand why people would put others at risk “because they have so many things to do,”” wrote Maria Jordan MacKeigan after a parent told her that she was too busy to look after her own sick child. Maria’s own daughter, Jordan Grace, has a particularly low immune system because of her Downs Syndrome, which means that even the slightest infection could result in serious illness. “This is not the babysitting club,” she wrote. “Your own child needs you to cuddle them, to love them, to care for them back to health. When Jordan Grace is sick, I think of her first…but I also think of others. I don’t want my child to go get others sick especially those who may end up in the hospital because their little bodies can’t fight the sickness off on their own.”

Some people were quick to agree with Maria while others had opposing views. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

More info: Instagram

“When my child gets the simple cold she may end up like this!”

A mom from Canada took to Instagram to speak out against parents who take their own sick children to school

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Maria Jordan MacKeigan’s daughter,  Jordan Grace, has a low immune system because of her Downs Syndrome

This means that even the slightest infection could result in serious illness for her

“If we cared more about the world around us and not just ourselves this world would be a much better place!”

Maria later updated the post for those concerned about Jordan

Some people were quick to agree with Maria

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Other people disagreed however

What do you think?

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daniellosinger avatar
Daniel Losinger
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

By the time a child child starts having cold/flu symptoms, that child has already been contagious and spreading the virus at school and other places for 5 to 7 days.

jit_ghosh avatar
Royal_Emperor
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree with you. The hypocrisy of this woman "If we cared more about the world around us and not just ourselves this world would be a much better place" seriously??? How is it practical for anyone ?? What happens if the mother is exposed to germs when she goes out, the teachers , the little girl's father, a pizza delivery guy, the food packets from supermarket she brings home? She wants the world to be sensitive but she won't compromise when it is her turn.

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imbriuminarian avatar
Bunzilla
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There needs to be a better system in place in North America, that allows parents to better take care of their children. So that they can stay home with them when they get sick. Or stay home themselves if they get sick. As someone who has a compromised immune system myself, I can understand just how horrible it is to come down with pretty much every single cold and flu I'm exposed to. I don't get fevers, which means that they just drag on, and on... and on. However, people have jobs, they need to work, and need to eat. They have to pay the rent, mortgage, taxes. The way things are set up now, it makes it near impossible for many people to stay home when they're sick, or stay home with their children when they get sick. Thus, colds and flu spread. Schools also need to stop being so ridiculous and allow children with chronic illnesses, health problems, or whatever-- have the time off they need to get better, without penalizing them. Having a limited amount of sick days is just silly!

leannemariedantoni avatar
Agnes Jekyll
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

in Canada, day cares will not take kids if they are sick; however, if you're a single parent, or you've used your three days up (or you don't get any), it means not getting paid. This is an enormous problem. Solutions welcome.

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theicy666 avatar
Kasandra Klages
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work with special ed and my boss almost fired me for taking off a week when I had bronchitis and didn't want to give it to the kids.

kristelbijnen avatar
Kristel Bijnen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope t was downvoted to the fact that your boss almost fired you. And not the whole comment! That is a really weird thing to do as a boss. He is supposed to be protecting these kids overall, make sure every single one is okay. In cooperation with the teachers. While now you were the one doing this on your own, and almost got fired because of it. There are some strange people in this world.

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alusairalustriel avatar
Alusair Alustriel
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understand the frustration of Jordan Grace's mom, but unfortunately not all parents can afford to stay home with their kid if he/she has a runny nose :( I wouldn't have enough days off to cover such situations. Most of parents can only afford to get a sick leave for a kid if the kid is really sick. Not to mention many doctors won't sign a sick leave for a runny nose. Sadly, the saying we have here "You don't die from a runny nose" does not apply to kids with low or none immunity system. It's a really tragic situation - one cannot ban such a kid from normal life, yet their parents have to face life-threatening situation on daily basis,

ivyrs avatar
Ivy R
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately, if I kept my child out of school every time he had a sniffle, he would miss more than the allotted number of acceptable absent days for the year. If he exceeds that number (15 days for our school) he gets held back a grade. I never like sending him to school with a cold but the school doesn't make it easy for me to do otherwise.

onemessylady avatar
Aunt Messy
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Keeping a kid at home when they have the sniffles is ridiculous. It takes a week to ten days for a cold to incubate in the body before symptoms appear. During that time there are no sniffles/fever/etc., but you ARE contagious. There is simply NO WAY to prevent colds from going through schools like wildfire. Everyone gets them. The teacher below who's spent 9 days at home with a cold is being silly. She passed on that bug LONG before she actually felt sick. ... I'd be more concerned with forcing ALL parents to vaccinate ALL of their kids before they're allowed to enter a public school.

cnbayler avatar
Colin Bayler
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry; but if your child has a low immune system, you are an idiot for not home schooling and for putting her in danger by sending her to a school where hundreds of children go.

dariab_1 avatar
Daria B
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Korea, either kids or adults commonly wear medical masks over their mouth and noses during the cold and flu seasons. Maybe such culture should be introduced to the rest of the world too...

alecstar23 avatar
Alec
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That may look nice and considerate, but is about as effective as using chicken wire as a mosquito mesh

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jasminkatanner avatar
Cat person
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's so ridiculous. I would never stay home from school just because I have a cold, since a lot of the time when I get a cold it lasts for like 2 weeks. I would be so behind then. And imagine if a mother has like four children. She would have to take loads of time off work just to care for them then. This woman is out of her mind saying that people need to stay home. If I have a cold I simply wash my hands more often and avoid touching door knobs. If this woman is so concerned about her special daughter she should put her in a special school

mdulbergsdesigns avatar
Monica Michelle
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get it but there are larger issues. If you want to be angry demand living wages for all workers. Not every parent has the privilege to stay home or leave work.

cara_kelly_1 avatar
Cara Kelly
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see her frustration but for the large majority of kids coughs and colds are just part of growing us and how they build any immune system. Parents need to work and if there chid is well enough to go to school they should.

crcrosscountrygal avatar
Jeané Mock
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not everyone can afford/ has the means to stay home everything there kid has the sniffles

pun-in-wunderland avatar
Pi...
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd say it depends on how sick a child is. Not exposing your kids to common germs can actually weaken their immune system. It is rather unfortunate that children with weaker immune systems are at risk in this case. There's no right answer here.... Quite circumstantial.

mjm avatar
mjm
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

MANY parents do not get time off for sick kids or themselves, even. Our society needs to help these parents keep their jobs AND ten to their sick kids. NO Don't bring them to school. But what options does that parent have? DON'T JUDGE OTHER PARENTS WHO LOVE THEIR CHILDREN AS MUCH AS YOU LOVE YOURS.

cat795 avatar
Catherine Stephenson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I couldn't agree more. My heart goes out to Jordan's mum but don't think this decision rests purely on the parents shoulders. My daughter went through a phase where she had bad nose-bleeds, they were preceded by a bad headache so we knew one was coming. If she woke with this headache I would keep her off and I was threatened by the school with being referred to A welfare officer for allowing her attendance to drop! Leaving me with the case that I would feel I had to send her but prepared to have a colossal bleed at school so I'd stay nearby waiting for the phone call. If parents are to be held responsible then they need to be allowed to make the decisions themselves not be forced into them.

alecstar23 avatar
Alec
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is a nice idea, but not really practical, not considering the realities of life as a working --and often single-- mom. Now, I understand why for the parents of immunocompromised children this is a major issue, but I do wonder if this girl's mom would be so adamant if she weren't in that position, and also, if her child is so frail that being exposed to normal childhood illnesses is life threatening, wouldn't it be safer to keep Jordan Grace away from school? After all, there are plenty of diseases that are contagious during their incubation period, and there is no degree of vigilance that is going to protect her from those.

marisamarflak avatar
Painting Puddles
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

America in general needs to treat sickness better. Most workplaces have a tiny amount of sick days or combine them with vacation days, basically encouraging you to come into work sick. School systems operate the same way and it's sad.

raincloud-donovan avatar
Dani Donovan
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a hard one. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to stay home with my son when he was very young and also have had a very flexible part time job. I was able to keep my son home if he had a yucky cough, runny nose, or simply didn’t “feel good”. Our school system accepts notes from parents. But I feel for parents who can’t take off work easily. Yes, if you have a child and they are ill you need to work out a way to be at home with them, but it’s not easy for everyone. Also, people have different concepts about what constitutes being sick. The hospital daycare sounds great, but if it’s expensive, many people are still going to opt to give their child Tylenol for their fever and send them off to school. Unfortunately the parents of children with weak immune systems are always going to have to worry about that.

rphwrites avatar
Rebecca Patrick-Howard
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Our school has a strict attendance policy. They are only allowed 3 notes from home. The rest have to be a doctor's notes. After that, the child is considered "truant" and we are threatened with a massive fine and jail time. Our doctor will only excuse for one day at a time. Our insurance co--pay is $40. It basically means that we are paying $40 just to get a school excuse (considering that we already got medication and care the day before). There is a flaw in this system. It's meant to thwart lazy parents who just don't want to get up in the morning. Instead, it's hurting children and parents who are really sick but can't afford going to the doctor on subsequent days to get the notes. When my son had mono last year, we racked up more than $600 in doctor visits-and those were just to get excuses, since his pediatrician was only giving him 1-2 days off at a time and we had to keep going back. My son eventually suffered a swollen spleen and liver and had to go on homebound.

kalaxan_harleqane avatar
Kalaxan Harleqane
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...my brother was a baby and too young to go to school but he caught pneumonia from my father and died! So unless you and your children live in an air sealed home that you never come out of ...you're going to be immediately susceptible to anyone who does venture back and forth into the cold and flu plagued community!

jesprenray avatar
Jespren Ray
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree when there is fever present (that’s actual medical fever), diarrhea (typically very contagious among kids), or vomiting kids should not be in school. Some other aggressively contagious (pink eye) Ickes should also be kept out. But every little sniffle, cold, or ‘I feel bad’ sickness that happens as small children grow their immune system? It would be impossible for any school system (even a homeschool!) to function if typically mild illnesses were treated as public health risks. It sucks having a crappy immune system, and I’m sure it’s terrifying at times when you have a severely compromised immune system. But when you are the odd one out, when you/your kid is the one that has danger in common situations it’s up to YOU to take the extra precautions, not expect the other 99% to vastly interrupt their lives to cater to your special needs.

arturroszak avatar
nks
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I completely disagree with the mom, no parent can know if a kid is 100% healthy all the time, kid could be carrying something, and symptoms could show up hours or days later. If her "wish" was taken seriously no parent would ever bring a kid to school ever. While I feel sorry for their situation, their situation is not a norm, and entire world can't revolt around them.

joshuahammer avatar
Joshua Hammer
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's face it no matter where in the world you are you will go to work with th sniffles. If you don't chances are you don't make the income you want. My mother always said don't call in crawl in. Now why on earth would you not treat school the same way. You are setting habits today for their future is that really the habit you want to instill?

celeste_firefox avatar
Celeste Spaniel
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband is a cook where he works, and every day there's someone there cooking with flu or a cold. He's caught so many bugs from them all. He used to stay home without pay when he was sick, because he didn't want to get all the customers sick. However after getting a severe warning of being fired, he now has to go whether sick or not (and we can't afford him to not go in either). It's horrible to think of people cooking for customers when they're so sick themselves D:

craz435yt avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To all those people who disagree, my little sister went to school during flu season, half her class was sick. She passed out because of a fever she got from them. The poor thing had to stay in hospital for a week

karolnat_ avatar
Karolína T.
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry I am crude; but I really think that the mother cannot force others to act as she likes. When she has a kid afflicted with healthy problems that cannot stay the mild stress (snifflig, runny nose) which nobody can avoid she should consider homeschool.

celestiamyles avatar
Celestia
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have missed so many days of school, if I'm late or even absent to any one of my classes, that's in school suspension.

cstea1 avatar
Chris Stea
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmmm, my kids are grown now, but I support the parents who disagree. I also DO NOT support the rights on ONE kid or person in a large group. Low immune system? Your problem. Not to be dumped onto every other parents back. I don't believe in catering to any special need or special group. Do the best you can, but do not expect concessions

marialeahy124 avatar
Maria Leahy
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Right, because sooooo many businesses will allow you to take off again for your sick child, when you run out of sick days, then FIRED for being out again!! And then as so many have posted there is no way to prevent colds going through a school. Perhaps it would be better to home school your child than chastising the rest of us

holliemarie1995 avatar
Hollie Newton
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mum if I was ill would ask me what I wanted to do if I was really bad and still saying school she would say nope sometimes if she felt it wasn't serious but didn't want to push me into going to school she would give me to the babysitter it's not practical as those kids can pick up whatever I had but being a babysitter she was always ready with the disinfectant for those germs and it was up to the baby sitter to asses who she had that day and say yes or no. I agree if the child is so severe keeping them home but if it's not that bad you need to think practically yes be there fopr your child with love and cuddles but not all the time they will get too used to it and stuff you need to find a balance and tbh I get the kid has a low immune system but she chose to send her child to public school then blames the majority for the kid getting sick!! Besides which isn't a cokld and everything supposed to strengthen the immune system via exposure

antiquitusandrtheb avatar
Emily Bachy
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you know your child is sick, keep them home. Not for others, but just for your child. The last thing you would want is your child becoming sicker or having their sickness prolonged.

melody_lee_75641 avatar
Melody Lee
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jeez. I find that this "allotted days of sickness" thing odd. I go to school in Australia. My (high) school has a system where if the kid does not show up to class by a certain time, the parents are sent a text so that the parents can reply on why the student is away, especially for the younger years. Of course, on the other hand, there are many cases where people may be unaware that their sickness is worse than it is; I was coughing for over a week and thought it was just a simple cough, until a doctor's visit revealed it was actually a chest infection. I was going to school during this week, but I was forced to stay home for an entire week to recover and given antibiotics. I do agree that America needs a better system than just "allotted number of days", especially if someone gets sick; a close friend of mine was sick for the majority of a term (10 weeks) and hospitalised due to the severity.

rainbowfroggy123 avatar
Katrina Green
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you know your child has these issues, I'm sorry, but you cannot rely on everyone else to keep her well. Sometimes subtle colds can last for a week or two and kids can still learn and function with a slight cough and runny nose. Other people have needs too, not just you.

juicypear avatar
Juicy Pear
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*Misses one day of school* My mom: Just take pills. Stop skipping school and being so lazy. Everyone else is going! School: Yeah you missed a quiz, a project that's due in half a week, and worksheets that are due in a couple days *Goes when feeling sick* Me: I won't miss any homework and won't get trash talked!:D *Gets diarrhoea and dry heaves, with a stuffed nose staying in the bathroom for 20 minutes* Me: Everything's fine ( ͡ಥ ͜ʖ ͡ಥ)

carey_ensley_monroe avatar
Carey Monroe
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How nice for her that she can miss work at the drop of a hat. Its a real luxury to be able to take off to care for a sick kid.

donutlsf avatar
d r e a m w o r l d
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whoever says that it's remotely okay to sent sick children out to school a nut for education, I'm sure. School is good for you and everyone must learn, but if a child could spread illness to others in any way, it's better not to ruin it for everybody. A single cold could ripple out to everyone in the school. Think about the children.

prwins77 avatar
Priscilla Winslow
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This problem is akin to getting your child vaccinated or not. If all the other kids are vaccinated, my child is safe! I was a latchkey kid. As a child, my mom went to work and I'd report my temperature to her.... when I had strep, it was 104. I was 8 years old. Home alone. At what age can a sick kid be home alone?

rachelsaida avatar
Rachel Shultz
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean this in the most delicate way possible, and I totally agree that sick kids should stay home. But it is simply not possible to avoid all dangers in a school setting. If the little one is really in danger of becoming seriously ill because of this, perhaps it’s better if she’s taught at home? For her own safety?

beatzgirlerica avatar
Beatz Girl (Erica)
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now I feel bad... Ever since several months ago when I had to miss a week of school because of holidays, I hadn't missed a day of school. When I had the whooping cough I still went, under medication of course. When my stomach hurts I go. When I'm coughing I go. Sickness doesn't stop me because if I stay home, I'm bored out of my mind because my parents make me stay in bed all day.

minipieces avatar
Carla Rupp Gutches
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Schools perpetuate this problem by giving awards for perfect attendance!

zori-i-iana avatar
Zori the degu
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's bad for other kids but it's also bad for the sick kid herself/himself. Even a flu or a simple cold could make school a challenge. It's not easy to deal with a math test when your head is aching like hell or you can't breathe properly because you are drowning in your own boogers. I mean, did those parents manage to forget how much better they felt being left at home when they were little kids? No school, no lessons, just reading a good book and eating cookies and others feeling sorry for you.

rhon avatar
Rhon
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The cough our kids had turned out to be whooping cough even though they had been immunised. Imagine the danger to other if I'd taken them to school!!

y15-palmerc avatar
CozaEVE
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my sister has downs syndrome and it really changes her being ill i completely agree with this mum

hectorgironc avatar
HG Guy
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just let Darwin's natural selection do their job. Sounds cruel but we are getting ridiculously levels of negating and over protection these days., That is why we are creating super bacterias and viruses that one day will not be stoppable.

natalie_blenkhorn avatar
Natalia Brown
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If my daughter had a low immune system I'd certainly avoid getting her ears pierced for a start.

naimaivansdttir avatar
Naima Ivansdóttir
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i have cystic fibrosis and can definitely relate with this issue. same problem with coworkers coming to the office when sick... it's really upsetting for me as they can sweat off a cold in max 1 week while it might end in weeks (or months, as happened two years ago) of ordeal for me...

ellel avatar
Elle L
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry to hear about that. I try to stay home when I'm sick, but unfortunately, a lot of employers and bosses aren't understanding. I was very sick with a cold once, but when I tried to call in sick, my then manager said I didn't sound sick. So I went all the way to work for him to realize that I indeed was sick and should have stayed home. I also tend to continue coughing for weeks even after I've otherwise recovered from a cold. I'm sure I'd get fired for staying home for weeks, even if I worked from home.

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s_boussaaddan avatar
Nora
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This message should also be addressed to adults who are sick: If you are sick, please STAY HOME and don't spread bacteria or viruses at work. It is so stupid that it is a common thing in my job that colleagues come with fever, sneezing and more. Some of them are afraid of the administration to see them as 'incompetent' or so. Personally, if I am sick I call in sick. My health and others' health comes first.

ellel avatar
Elle L
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tried calling in sick once when I had a bad cold, only for my then manager to tell me I didn't sound sick. So I went all the way to work for him to realize that I was indeed sick and should have stayed home. I now email in my sick notices. Unfortunately, most employers don't really care if the flu spreads like wildfire, as long as everyone is still at their desks working. The owner of one of the companies I used to work at hated it when people worked from home when they were sick, not even outright taking a sick day. He felt that they were slacking off. I overheard him telling another manager, "They should just come into work, maybe take more bathroom breaks to take care of their needs." And there you have it.

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vaida_kuodyte avatar
Vaida Kuodytė
Community Member
6 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

How about you stop giving birth to sickly kids and acting like a damn hero? Acting like the world should revolve around you? How about that.

wringej avatar
GlassOfWater
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How about you stop blaming women for giving birth to kids with disabilities like it was their choice? How about you keep negative comments to yourself? How about that.

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daniellosinger avatar
Daniel Losinger
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

By the time a child child starts having cold/flu symptoms, that child has already been contagious and spreading the virus at school and other places for 5 to 7 days.

jit_ghosh avatar
Royal_Emperor
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree with you. The hypocrisy of this woman "If we cared more about the world around us and not just ourselves this world would be a much better place" seriously??? How is it practical for anyone ?? What happens if the mother is exposed to germs when she goes out, the teachers , the little girl's father, a pizza delivery guy, the food packets from supermarket she brings home? She wants the world to be sensitive but she won't compromise when it is her turn.

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imbriuminarian avatar
Bunzilla
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There needs to be a better system in place in North America, that allows parents to better take care of their children. So that they can stay home with them when they get sick. Or stay home themselves if they get sick. As someone who has a compromised immune system myself, I can understand just how horrible it is to come down with pretty much every single cold and flu I'm exposed to. I don't get fevers, which means that they just drag on, and on... and on. However, people have jobs, they need to work, and need to eat. They have to pay the rent, mortgage, taxes. The way things are set up now, it makes it near impossible for many people to stay home when they're sick, or stay home with their children when they get sick. Thus, colds and flu spread. Schools also need to stop being so ridiculous and allow children with chronic illnesses, health problems, or whatever-- have the time off they need to get better, without penalizing them. Having a limited amount of sick days is just silly!

leannemariedantoni avatar
Agnes Jekyll
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

in Canada, day cares will not take kids if they are sick; however, if you're a single parent, or you've used your three days up (or you don't get any), it means not getting paid. This is an enormous problem. Solutions welcome.

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Kasandra Klages
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work with special ed and my boss almost fired me for taking off a week when I had bronchitis and didn't want to give it to the kids.

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Kristel Bijnen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope t was downvoted to the fact that your boss almost fired you. And not the whole comment! That is a really weird thing to do as a boss. He is supposed to be protecting these kids overall, make sure every single one is okay. In cooperation with the teachers. While now you were the one doing this on your own, and almost got fired because of it. There are some strange people in this world.

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Alusair Alustriel
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understand the frustration of Jordan Grace's mom, but unfortunately not all parents can afford to stay home with their kid if he/she has a runny nose :( I wouldn't have enough days off to cover such situations. Most of parents can only afford to get a sick leave for a kid if the kid is really sick. Not to mention many doctors won't sign a sick leave for a runny nose. Sadly, the saying we have here "You don't die from a runny nose" does not apply to kids with low or none immunity system. It's a really tragic situation - one cannot ban such a kid from normal life, yet their parents have to face life-threatening situation on daily basis,

ivyrs avatar
Ivy R
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately, if I kept my child out of school every time he had a sniffle, he would miss more than the allotted number of acceptable absent days for the year. If he exceeds that number (15 days for our school) he gets held back a grade. I never like sending him to school with a cold but the school doesn't make it easy for me to do otherwise.

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Aunt Messy
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Keeping a kid at home when they have the sniffles is ridiculous. It takes a week to ten days for a cold to incubate in the body before symptoms appear. During that time there are no sniffles/fever/etc., but you ARE contagious. There is simply NO WAY to prevent colds from going through schools like wildfire. Everyone gets them. The teacher below who's spent 9 days at home with a cold is being silly. She passed on that bug LONG before she actually felt sick. ... I'd be more concerned with forcing ALL parents to vaccinate ALL of their kids before they're allowed to enter a public school.

cnbayler avatar
Colin Bayler
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry; but if your child has a low immune system, you are an idiot for not home schooling and for putting her in danger by sending her to a school where hundreds of children go.

dariab_1 avatar
Daria B
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Korea, either kids or adults commonly wear medical masks over their mouth and noses during the cold and flu seasons. Maybe such culture should be introduced to the rest of the world too...

alecstar23 avatar
Alec
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That may look nice and considerate, but is about as effective as using chicken wire as a mosquito mesh

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Cat person
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's so ridiculous. I would never stay home from school just because I have a cold, since a lot of the time when I get a cold it lasts for like 2 weeks. I would be so behind then. And imagine if a mother has like four children. She would have to take loads of time off work just to care for them then. This woman is out of her mind saying that people need to stay home. If I have a cold I simply wash my hands more often and avoid touching door knobs. If this woman is so concerned about her special daughter she should put her in a special school

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Monica Michelle
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get it but there are larger issues. If you want to be angry demand living wages for all workers. Not every parent has the privilege to stay home or leave work.

cara_kelly_1 avatar
Cara Kelly
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see her frustration but for the large majority of kids coughs and colds are just part of growing us and how they build any immune system. Parents need to work and if there chid is well enough to go to school they should.

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Jeané Mock
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not everyone can afford/ has the means to stay home everything there kid has the sniffles

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Pi...
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd say it depends on how sick a child is. Not exposing your kids to common germs can actually weaken their immune system. It is rather unfortunate that children with weaker immune systems are at risk in this case. There's no right answer here.... Quite circumstantial.

mjm avatar
mjm
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

MANY parents do not get time off for sick kids or themselves, even. Our society needs to help these parents keep their jobs AND ten to their sick kids. NO Don't bring them to school. But what options does that parent have? DON'T JUDGE OTHER PARENTS WHO LOVE THEIR CHILDREN AS MUCH AS YOU LOVE YOURS.

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Catherine Stephenson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I couldn't agree more. My heart goes out to Jordan's mum but don't think this decision rests purely on the parents shoulders. My daughter went through a phase where she had bad nose-bleeds, they were preceded by a bad headache so we knew one was coming. If she woke with this headache I would keep her off and I was threatened by the school with being referred to A welfare officer for allowing her attendance to drop! Leaving me with the case that I would feel I had to send her but prepared to have a colossal bleed at school so I'd stay nearby waiting for the phone call. If parents are to be held responsible then they need to be allowed to make the decisions themselves not be forced into them.

alecstar23 avatar
Alec
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is a nice idea, but not really practical, not considering the realities of life as a working --and often single-- mom. Now, I understand why for the parents of immunocompromised children this is a major issue, but I do wonder if this girl's mom would be so adamant if she weren't in that position, and also, if her child is so frail that being exposed to normal childhood illnesses is life threatening, wouldn't it be safer to keep Jordan Grace away from school? After all, there are plenty of diseases that are contagious during their incubation period, and there is no degree of vigilance that is going to protect her from those.

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Painting Puddles
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

America in general needs to treat sickness better. Most workplaces have a tiny amount of sick days or combine them with vacation days, basically encouraging you to come into work sick. School systems operate the same way and it's sad.

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Dani Donovan
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a hard one. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to stay home with my son when he was very young and also have had a very flexible part time job. I was able to keep my son home if he had a yucky cough, runny nose, or simply didn’t “feel good”. Our school system accepts notes from parents. But I feel for parents who can’t take off work easily. Yes, if you have a child and they are ill you need to work out a way to be at home with them, but it’s not easy for everyone. Also, people have different concepts about what constitutes being sick. The hospital daycare sounds great, but if it’s expensive, many people are still going to opt to give their child Tylenol for their fever and send them off to school. Unfortunately the parents of children with weak immune systems are always going to have to worry about that.

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Rebecca Patrick-Howard
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Our school has a strict attendance policy. They are only allowed 3 notes from home. The rest have to be a doctor's notes. After that, the child is considered "truant" and we are threatened with a massive fine and jail time. Our doctor will only excuse for one day at a time. Our insurance co--pay is $40. It basically means that we are paying $40 just to get a school excuse (considering that we already got medication and care the day before). There is a flaw in this system. It's meant to thwart lazy parents who just don't want to get up in the morning. Instead, it's hurting children and parents who are really sick but can't afford going to the doctor on subsequent days to get the notes. When my son had mono last year, we racked up more than $600 in doctor visits-and those were just to get excuses, since his pediatrician was only giving him 1-2 days off at a time and we had to keep going back. My son eventually suffered a swollen spleen and liver and had to go on homebound.

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Kalaxan Harleqane
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...my brother was a baby and too young to go to school but he caught pneumonia from my father and died! So unless you and your children live in an air sealed home that you never come out of ...you're going to be immediately susceptible to anyone who does venture back and forth into the cold and flu plagued community!

jesprenray avatar
Jespren Ray
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree when there is fever present (that’s actual medical fever), diarrhea (typically very contagious among kids), or vomiting kids should not be in school. Some other aggressively contagious (pink eye) Ickes should also be kept out. But every little sniffle, cold, or ‘I feel bad’ sickness that happens as small children grow their immune system? It would be impossible for any school system (even a homeschool!) to function if typically mild illnesses were treated as public health risks. It sucks having a crappy immune system, and I’m sure it’s terrifying at times when you have a severely compromised immune system. But when you are the odd one out, when you/your kid is the one that has danger in common situations it’s up to YOU to take the extra precautions, not expect the other 99% to vastly interrupt their lives to cater to your special needs.

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nks
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I completely disagree with the mom, no parent can know if a kid is 100% healthy all the time, kid could be carrying something, and symptoms could show up hours or days later. If her "wish" was taken seriously no parent would ever bring a kid to school ever. While I feel sorry for their situation, their situation is not a norm, and entire world can't revolt around them.

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Joshua Hammer
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's face it no matter where in the world you are you will go to work with th sniffles. If you don't chances are you don't make the income you want. My mother always said don't call in crawl in. Now why on earth would you not treat school the same way. You are setting habits today for their future is that really the habit you want to instill?

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Celeste Spaniel
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband is a cook where he works, and every day there's someone there cooking with flu or a cold. He's caught so many bugs from them all. He used to stay home without pay when he was sick, because he didn't want to get all the customers sick. However after getting a severe warning of being fired, he now has to go whether sick or not (and we can't afford him to not go in either). It's horrible to think of people cooking for customers when they're so sick themselves D:

craz435yt avatar
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To all those people who disagree, my little sister went to school during flu season, half her class was sick. She passed out because of a fever she got from them. The poor thing had to stay in hospital for a week

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Karolína T.
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry I am crude; but I really think that the mother cannot force others to act as she likes. When she has a kid afflicted with healthy problems that cannot stay the mild stress (snifflig, runny nose) which nobody can avoid she should consider homeschool.

celestiamyles avatar
Celestia
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have missed so many days of school, if I'm late or even absent to any one of my classes, that's in school suspension.

cstea1 avatar
Chris Stea
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmmm, my kids are grown now, but I support the parents who disagree. I also DO NOT support the rights on ONE kid or person in a large group. Low immune system? Your problem. Not to be dumped onto every other parents back. I don't believe in catering to any special need or special group. Do the best you can, but do not expect concessions

marialeahy124 avatar
Maria Leahy
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Right, because sooooo many businesses will allow you to take off again for your sick child, when you run out of sick days, then FIRED for being out again!! And then as so many have posted there is no way to prevent colds going through a school. Perhaps it would be better to home school your child than chastising the rest of us

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Hollie Newton
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mum if I was ill would ask me what I wanted to do if I was really bad and still saying school she would say nope sometimes if she felt it wasn't serious but didn't want to push me into going to school she would give me to the babysitter it's not practical as those kids can pick up whatever I had but being a babysitter she was always ready with the disinfectant for those germs and it was up to the baby sitter to asses who she had that day and say yes or no. I agree if the child is so severe keeping them home but if it's not that bad you need to think practically yes be there fopr your child with love and cuddles but not all the time they will get too used to it and stuff you need to find a balance and tbh I get the kid has a low immune system but she chose to send her child to public school then blames the majority for the kid getting sick!! Besides which isn't a cokld and everything supposed to strengthen the immune system via exposure

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Emily Bachy
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you know your child is sick, keep them home. Not for others, but just for your child. The last thing you would want is your child becoming sicker or having their sickness prolonged.

melody_lee_75641 avatar
Melody Lee
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jeez. I find that this "allotted days of sickness" thing odd. I go to school in Australia. My (high) school has a system where if the kid does not show up to class by a certain time, the parents are sent a text so that the parents can reply on why the student is away, especially for the younger years. Of course, on the other hand, there are many cases where people may be unaware that their sickness is worse than it is; I was coughing for over a week and thought it was just a simple cough, until a doctor's visit revealed it was actually a chest infection. I was going to school during this week, but I was forced to stay home for an entire week to recover and given antibiotics. I do agree that America needs a better system than just "allotted number of days", especially if someone gets sick; a close friend of mine was sick for the majority of a term (10 weeks) and hospitalised due to the severity.

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Katrina Green
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you know your child has these issues, I'm sorry, but you cannot rely on everyone else to keep her well. Sometimes subtle colds can last for a week or two and kids can still learn and function with a slight cough and runny nose. Other people have needs too, not just you.

juicypear avatar
Juicy Pear
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*Misses one day of school* My mom: Just take pills. Stop skipping school and being so lazy. Everyone else is going! School: Yeah you missed a quiz, a project that's due in half a week, and worksheets that are due in a couple days *Goes when feeling sick* Me: I won't miss any homework and won't get trash talked!:D *Gets diarrhoea and dry heaves, with a stuffed nose staying in the bathroom for 20 minutes* Me: Everything's fine ( ͡ಥ ͜ʖ ͡ಥ)

carey_ensley_monroe avatar
Carey Monroe
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How nice for her that she can miss work at the drop of a hat. Its a real luxury to be able to take off to care for a sick kid.

donutlsf avatar
d r e a m w o r l d
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whoever says that it's remotely okay to sent sick children out to school a nut for education, I'm sure. School is good for you and everyone must learn, but if a child could spread illness to others in any way, it's better not to ruin it for everybody. A single cold could ripple out to everyone in the school. Think about the children.

prwins77 avatar
Priscilla Winslow
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This problem is akin to getting your child vaccinated or not. If all the other kids are vaccinated, my child is safe! I was a latchkey kid. As a child, my mom went to work and I'd report my temperature to her.... when I had strep, it was 104. I was 8 years old. Home alone. At what age can a sick kid be home alone?

rachelsaida avatar
Rachel Shultz
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean this in the most delicate way possible, and I totally agree that sick kids should stay home. But it is simply not possible to avoid all dangers in a school setting. If the little one is really in danger of becoming seriously ill because of this, perhaps it’s better if she’s taught at home? For her own safety?

beatzgirlerica avatar
Beatz Girl (Erica)
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now I feel bad... Ever since several months ago when I had to miss a week of school because of holidays, I hadn't missed a day of school. When I had the whooping cough I still went, under medication of course. When my stomach hurts I go. When I'm coughing I go. Sickness doesn't stop me because if I stay home, I'm bored out of my mind because my parents make me stay in bed all day.

minipieces avatar
Carla Rupp Gutches
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Schools perpetuate this problem by giving awards for perfect attendance!

zori-i-iana avatar
Zori the degu
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's bad for other kids but it's also bad for the sick kid herself/himself. Even a flu or a simple cold could make school a challenge. It's not easy to deal with a math test when your head is aching like hell or you can't breathe properly because you are drowning in your own boogers. I mean, did those parents manage to forget how much better they felt being left at home when they were little kids? No school, no lessons, just reading a good book and eating cookies and others feeling sorry for you.

rhon avatar
Rhon
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The cough our kids had turned out to be whooping cough even though they had been immunised. Imagine the danger to other if I'd taken them to school!!

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CozaEVE
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my sister has downs syndrome and it really changes her being ill i completely agree with this mum

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HG Guy
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just let Darwin's natural selection do their job. Sounds cruel but we are getting ridiculously levels of negating and over protection these days., That is why we are creating super bacterias and viruses that one day will not be stoppable.

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Natalia Brown
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If my daughter had a low immune system I'd certainly avoid getting her ears pierced for a start.

naimaivansdttir avatar
Naima Ivansdóttir
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i have cystic fibrosis and can definitely relate with this issue. same problem with coworkers coming to the office when sick... it's really upsetting for me as they can sweat off a cold in max 1 week while it might end in weeks (or months, as happened two years ago) of ordeal for me...

ellel avatar
Elle L
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry to hear about that. I try to stay home when I'm sick, but unfortunately, a lot of employers and bosses aren't understanding. I was very sick with a cold once, but when I tried to call in sick, my then manager said I didn't sound sick. So I went all the way to work for him to realize that I indeed was sick and should have stayed home. I also tend to continue coughing for weeks even after I've otherwise recovered from a cold. I'm sure I'd get fired for staying home for weeks, even if I worked from home.

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Nora
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This message should also be addressed to adults who are sick: If you are sick, please STAY HOME and don't spread bacteria or viruses at work. It is so stupid that it is a common thing in my job that colleagues come with fever, sneezing and more. Some of them are afraid of the administration to see them as 'incompetent' or so. Personally, if I am sick I call in sick. My health and others' health comes first.

ellel avatar
Elle L
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tried calling in sick once when I had a bad cold, only for my then manager to tell me I didn't sound sick. So I went all the way to work for him to realize that I was indeed sick and should have stayed home. I now email in my sick notices. Unfortunately, most employers don't really care if the flu spreads like wildfire, as long as everyone is still at their desks working. The owner of one of the companies I used to work at hated it when people worked from home when they were sick, not even outright taking a sick day. He felt that they were slacking off. I overheard him telling another manager, "They should just come into work, maybe take more bathroom breaks to take care of their needs." And there you have it.

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vaida_kuodyte avatar
Vaida Kuodytė
Community Member
6 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

How about you stop giving birth to sickly kids and acting like a damn hero? Acting like the world should revolve around you? How about that.

wringej avatar
GlassOfWater
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How about you stop blaming women for giving birth to kids with disabilities like it was their choice? How about you keep negative comments to yourself? How about that.

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