Been in contact with a Flu or Strep victim lately?

I have. They seem to be stalking me.

Here is a series of events which occurred over the past 10 days.

Friday, August 28 - When arriving at work, I was accosted by a co-worker who pulled in at the same time as me. Not really fond of this person, (only woman I know sporting a mullet) I took my time, fumbling around trying to give her time to get across the parking lot.

She waits.

And she waits.

When I finally open the car door four long minutes later, her face is in the crack between the door and car roof telling me about her spouse, who visited Doc-in-the-Box at 6:30am and was diagnosed with the FLU. But she tells me "it's okay because I ain't got it." (imagine Joe Dirt's daddy redneck voice)

My loud, very audible response: "Get the hell away from me! (think stern, annoyed, bitchy voice) as I walk towards the door. (Made mental note to report self to HR for swearing at co-worker)

I walk fast, she keeps up.

I slow down, she slows down. (Are you kidding me!!! Did you not hear me??? Idiot!!!)

We reach the door and go our separate ways, where I find solace alone in my office with a tub of Germ X wipes.

Skip to past week of Aug. 31 - Sep. 4

FLU spouse is no where to be seen. Wonder why?

Friday, September 4 - In the afternoon while in my office, which I share with no one, in walks another co-worker and her kids ages 2 and 4. They play with my stress relieving toys while mommy dearest gets some t-shirts for an event. I jokingly ask if they are new hires.

No, they have been at the Doc all day. They both have STREP.

My loud, very audible response: You gotta be kidding me! (again, think stern, annoyed, bitchy voice)

"But they aren't contagious unless you have a lot of contact with them."

Excuse me - you STREP-germ carrying family unit - you are IN MY SPACE!

Little bit of back history about me - I'm the only mother I know of who successfully contained strep to 1 kid out of 3 several times during the past 18 years.

This one caused a formal complaint to be lodged with HR.

Yesterday, September 5 - Went with a friend to lunch and then antique/thrift store shopping. At this huge indoor Flea market, who brushes past me to announce her presence - oh yes, my FLU-spouse-turned-FLU-catcher stalker. And then it seemed like she was stalking me around this huge Flea market. Right up to the check out. Freak!

My stance on this issue, not just now with flu season and swine flu, but every day is this:

If your kids are too sick to go to school or go to day care, don't take them to work with you. If someone in your family has the FLU or STREP - don't try to get in other peoples faces and share the wealth. If you need something from work, CALL me. I'll drop it off at the front desk in the lobby for your convenience and our health.

I don't want to waste my days off recouping from your stupidity and lack of good judgement. Just thinking about this makes my throat hurt, and I don't need time off that bad.

By the way, I still have all my sick days left!