Work makes me sick

Badger_Lady

In more ways than one

OK so this is slightly hypothetical since I'm planning to retire, but let's have a debate anyway.

My work demands that I travel internationally a lot - usually two long-haul flights a month.

Every time I travel long-haul I get a cold / virus of varying magnitude. It can just be the sniffles and a headache for a few days, or it can be a full-blown man flu that makes getting out of bed a challenge seemingly equal to climbing Snowdon.

But my employer doesn't pay sick. And of course statutory sick pay is not designed to cover short-term illnesses like this and is nowhere near enough to cover the lifestyle choices that I've made on my income.

What, if anything, can be done about it? Can I demand some sick time to recover since it's down to fulfilling my duties? Particularly given the amount of unpaid time that's sat in cattle class accumulating these illnesses..?

SarEl

You won't get much of a debate out of me. The answer is that you can demand anything you like, but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for a positive answer.

Notmyrealname

Badger_Lady wrote: »

What, if anything, can be done about it?

Day Nurse. Works wonders for me. I got the same when I was on agency changing from nights to days and vice versa - its a side effect of lack of sleep.

dandelionclock30

O dear.. well the odd cold is better than being out of work claiming benefits.There are herbal preperations you can take which claim to prevent colds and you can get these at places like Holland and Barratt.
If you demand time off the employer will probably tell you to to f off and will easily get someone elce for a well paid job with international travel.

thegirlintheattic

Stock up on OJ, cold and flu tablets and some vicks first defense - then suck it up like a man. I catch colds, flu, norovirus and numerous other things from the kids at work.

You can always ask but I bet the answer will be f off.

Emmzi

B_L I think it may help if you work on removing all other sources of stress in your life (lodger related!)

What are you doing to boost your immune system?

What else are you doing to look after yourself? (yoga??)

Your employer doesn't have to do anything to help but maybe a conversation on "life balance" is in order. What have they done for your predecessors?

Emmzi

http://www.wikihow.com/Stay-Healthy-when-Traveling-by-Plane

I would never have thought to avoid pillows but i guess they are right!

dickydonkin

It is very likely that the recirculated air in the aircraft cabin is the source of your problems - I frequently pick up something after a flight.

But my employer doesn't pay sick. And of course statutory sick pay is not designed to cover short-term illnesses like this and is nowhere near enough to cover the lifestyle choices that I've made on my income.

Some may suggest you may need to 'review' your lifestyle if you are susceptible to illness.

Sambucus_Nigra

PM-ed you as I can't post medical stuff on here.

Peater

Eurgh. I usually end up getting ill after flying.

Why do the carriers always insist on seating me directly infront of Mr.Sneezalot?

**Juice**

Vicks First Defence is normally quite good for colds and sniffles.