How Do You Deal With Being Around Sick People (when You Have A Suppressed Immune System)?
How Do You Deal With Being Around Sick People (when You Have A Suppressed Immune System)?
I'm so curious to know how those of us with suppressed immune systems deal with people around us who are sick (like your coworkers, significant others, etc.).
For some background, a few of my colleagues and I went out to lunch today, and only after we had been at lunch for a bit did I find out that one of them has pneumonia. She said she's on antibiotics and isn't contagious, but immediately my mind went into "evacuation… read more
Just like most aspects of dealing with RA....It’s a balancing act...
I also feel very upset when I find out that my coworkers are sick and end up coming and breathing over my desk. But I also don’t say anything right away I tried to let them know that I’m on happy that they are there because I have to auto immune diseases and I get very sick and I can die so if they are sick please stay away. I laughed afterwards so it seems like a joke but I’m pretty sure they know I’m serious
I hear your anxiety and we need to be careful, but I choose to socialize. If we eat well, exercise as well as take our meds, I don't worry alot. Be thoughtful but don't over think these situations. Anxiety effects me more than a luncheon... best wishes.
Thanks for your input, @A myRAteam Member. I also try to put a lighter spin on things, like asking people to keep their distance. I find these situations hard to navigate sometimes...I understand that it's hard to miss work when you're sick with a cold or infection nd I hate to put people in uncomfortable situations. It's a fact of life that I will be exposed to sick people and I never want to make anyone feel bad for that. But I also feel like as a person with a chronic illness, I have somewhat of a duty to spread awareness about putting people with suppressed immune systems at unnecessary risk of getting sick. It's tough because I feel like there's such a negative view out there of chronically ill people already, especially in the workplace, as being needy and overcautious (not my view, just what I've experienced). *sigh*
A myRAtea...
@A myRAteam Member. Ya, ur kinda stuck at ur age still being a productive working member of society. I’m retired, so i now have total control of my movements...though with RA, that’s just deciding what side of the sofa I’ll be on for Season 9 binge watching of The Walking Dead.
PS..I do hope my joking about my RA does not offend u (or anyone)...I’ve just learned that laughing about my non-curable condition sure beat crying over it...for me anyway, so hopefully for a few others too.
