Really bad fever blister. Should I call in?

mrsboots87 · Jul 13, 2016

I hope you're joking about wanting to call in for a fever blister you are embarrassed about. If your not contagious, this is not a good reason to leave your unit possibly understaffed for the shift.

You can always wear a mask if you're worried patients might question you, but to call out is pretty out there.

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Jul 13, 2016

Unless it's going to prevent you from doing your job, it's not something I would call in over. Embarrassment sounds super lame, imo. Would you call in over a big pimple?!

Rexie · Jul 13, 2016

I'd go to work but wear a mask so that the patients couldn't see the sun blister. I can understand how something like that might upset them, but you're ok and I can see no reason not to go to work.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Jul 13, 2016

How is this fever blister impeding you from working?

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jul 13, 2016

What is your unit's policy? L&D may not want you to come in.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jul 13, 2016

Keep your hands away from your mouth and practice perfect hand washing techniques.

Many people touch their mouths/faces frequently and unconsciously, then touch other people or objects. It can be a hard habit to break.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jul 13, 2016

Unless it's going to prevent you from doing your job, it's not something I would call in over. Embarrassment sounds super lame, imo. Would you call in over a big pimple?!

It's not the same thing as a pimple. It is viral in nature and that virus can be spread to others.

mrsboots87 · Jul 13, 2016

It's not the same thing as a pimple. It is viral in nature and that virus can be spread to others.

How are sun burned lips viral in nature?

OP, we need clarification. You said fever blister from being in the sun. While a fever blister is herpes and that would possibly be a reason to not work around newborns, being in the sun can cause blisters from sun burn. Is yours a herpes blister, or sun blister? Because I may change my response accordingly.

roser13, ASN, RN · Jul 13, 2016

How are sun burned lips viral in nature?
OP, we need clarification. You said fever blister from being in the sun. While a fever blister is herpes and that would possibly be a reason to not work around newborns, being in the sun can cause blisters from sun burn. Is yours a herpes blister, or sun blister? Because I may change my response accordingly.

I'm guessing that OP went to work.

quazar · Jul 13, 2016

*L&D nurse butting in* I just want to state for the record that it is written unit AND hospital policy at my place of work that you are not permitted to come to work on the L&D/nursery/postpartum floors if you have an active, open cold sore. So no, she's not being a wimp here. This kind of policy actually does exist. Not at every hospital, but at my current one and a lot of others, it is policy.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jul 13, 2016

How are sun burned lips viral in nature?
OP, we need clarification. You said fever blister from being in the sun. While a fever blister is herpes and that would possibly be a reason to not work around newborns, being in the sun can cause blisters from sun burn. Is yours a herpes blister, or sun blister? Because I may change my response accordingly.

Getting sunburned can reactivate the herpes virus, causing a "fever blister." I have never heard of a "sun blister," but it certainly seems likely that the OP got sunburned, and has subsequently developed a cold sore in response. It's quite common; it happens to my DH when he gets a bad sunburn. He takes anti viral medication for this.

So yes, it seems clarification is needed from the OP.