Dilemma: miss class before exam due to illness?

Published

Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

I'm in a big dilemma. I haven't been sick in 2 years. After 2 days of clinicals in the hospital last week, I'm sick with an upper respiratory infection.

We have class tomorrow and it's our last lecture before our exam on Monday. What do I do? Stay home, rest and study on my own? Or go to class and risk getting everyone sick, but I get the last lecture info before the exam?

We've only got 5 weeks left in the semester and I'm trying to keep my good grades up. I don't want to end up getting a B because I missed lecture. But I'd hate for someone to get sick because of me. I just don't know what to do!!!

Opinions please, either way.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

They were probably exposed to it already-- maybe even from you, who could have been contagious before you were symptomatic, or perhaps they had it already and won't get sick with it again.

If you aren't too sick to go for yourself, I wouldn't worry about your classmates. You need to attend your lecture if you are well enough to get there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I confess. I'd be going to class. But I would be doing my best to not spreading my bugs. Cough/sneeze into a tissue -- or my arm-- instead my hand. Use Purell frequently. Stay away from people as much as possible. etc.

Some people might not like that ... but that's probably what I'd do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.
They were probably exposed to it already-- maybe even from you, who could have been contagious before you were symptomatic, or perhaps they had it already and won't get sick with it again.

If you aren't too sick to go for yourself, I wouldn't worry about your classmates. You need to attend your lecture if you are well enough to get there.

lol, GrnTea, we were writing at the same time. I also figure that the classmates have already been exposed to the same bugs -- and if not, they will be very soon -- at clinicals, at school, in the grocery store, etc.. They need to learn how to protect themselves.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

If I didn't have a fever and felt reasonably well, I would (and have) gone to class armed with tissues , garbage bag , hand sanitizer, and sudafed hot tea in AM and lots of water.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

what did your instructor say when you asked them?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

If I felt well enough, I would go and just be considerate of those around me. If it was clinical, that would be a different story.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Go! Your classmates will understand why you are there. It is important to get ANY review tid bits you can.

Hope you feel better soon. :geek:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Go to class, wear a mask.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

Thanks, everyone, for your responses! I went to the doctor tonight and she says it's most likely a virus that has to run its course. She said, in her opinion, I should be able to attend clinicals this week if I wear a mask and stay away from immuno-compromised patients.

I've decided to go to class tomorrow. It's our last lecture before our exam on Monday and I just don't want to miss any vital information. I'll speak with my instructor about what she thinks I should do regarding clinicals, since she is our lead instructor for the semester. I know they have assignments we can do if we're unable to come to clinicals, but I don't want to miss anything. I feel like I'd be behind if I didn't go.

Thanks again, everyone. I appreciate the responses :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.

I guess I'm with everyone else. I'd go but sit off to the side and use lots of Purell, Kleenex, and bring a ziplock bag to put the used ones

in. I'd wear a mask during clinicals and in class if I had to sit next to or near anyone with babies or small children.

It's that time of year. We're all being exposed to all kinds of creeping crud no matter how careful we are.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

As it's already "tomorrow", I don't know if you did make it to class or not...

If it were me, the only thing that would keep me from going to class was if I had a fever or was too sick to drive/otherwise get to class. Otherwise, I'd dose up on Dayquil, pack a bottle of hand sanitizer, suck up the discomfort and go. And I've give my classmates plenty of warning not to come near me.

Hope you are feeling better.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion