Why do people insist on coming to work sick?

[LTCNS]

I just started a new job two weeks ago. Last week the nurse I share an office with, a very small, hot office, came to work on Wednesday with diarrhea and vomiting and stayed half the day, then was out the next day and returned Friday. Needless to say I got sick last night and was up all night. I absolutely hated having to call in, especially since I am new, but I'm not one to risk others getting sick. I have a suppressed immune system due to some health issues, so I tend to catch whatever bug is going around.

This is just a pet peeve of mine. What good does it do anybody for a co-worker to come in sick and spread it around?

Guess I'm just feeling bummed out for having to call out. It's been eating at me all day. Just wanted to vent. Thank you for "listening."

[OCNRN63, RN]

My hospital works on a point system on top of PTO. We get four call out points a year. Five is a HR visit and a mark on your record that keeps you from transferring for a year. Six is termination.

I'd rather make someone else sick than lose my job, unfortunately.

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[JDZ344]

I call in sick if I am sick. I will not feel badly about it.

[BWright81188]

We're told not to come in if we have a fever for more than a day (or maybe it's 12 hours??) without antipyretics. So the only time I call in sick is if a fever accompanies my symptoms or if I were to get injured in some manner that would inhibit my ability to work. Otherwise I wear a mask and frequently wash my hands as usual.