In this case, better to err on the side of over stating the issue than understating it.

It’s an unfortunate problem that the easiest way for a manager to address sick time abuse is to hint to coworkers that whoever just called in sick is a wuss or lying or “must be that time of the month, heh heh!” In fear of workplace snark and retribution on their annual reviews, workers crawl in for anything less than hospitalization. That’s one thing we can thank covid for: it’s forcing managers to change their minds about the manly courage of sharing germs and to learn better management skills.

Hopefully, the COVID-19 pandemic will be less of a problem in the next few months. However, pandemics will still occur — unfortunately — and the current one has raised everyone’s consciousness about community spread of highly-contagious respiratory illnesses. We will also be under a new Presidential Administration in the US, with a decidedly-different approach to the Government’s role in pandemics and Federal regulation in general. OSHA, the CDC, the EEOC, and other public agencies, are routinely issuing guidance regarding proactive safety measures, including on such issues as to whether or not employers can require employees to submit to diagnostic tests, wear masks, be vaccinated, etc. In addition, some localities provide additional protections. I expect that you have — and will have — more legal rights that you suspect, especially if you are, for any reason, at higher risk.

Sure! Allergies aren’t contagious. I should have been more clear.

I don’t suppose you have legal grounds–it’s not protected. I do think, though, you may have a lot more leverage these days than you did previously.

It’s a good question.

I will never forget when I worked for a pet store and the one manager that would flip out and get annoyed anytime someone called out sick or couldn’t make it in for whatever reason. She would harshly slam the phone to end the call and say “Great John called out”. I never understood why someone like her couldn’t handle that. Oh wait, it meant she would have to actually do work and help customers out. Such a shame….
I remember I called in sick one time because I had the flu and when I called out, all she said was “Okay”. Nothing like “I hope you feel better” or “I’m sorry you’re sick”. A few days later I had heard from a co-worker that she was not happy I called out sick. Initially I wanted to confront her but then I told myself that I shouldn’t have to worry about this and to just let it go. Employees should never have to worry about calling in sick if they’re legitimately sick. I quit this place because of terrible management, among other issues, and eventually that location closed down.

The amount of time I would have to take off if I took off when I had those symptoms would likely exceed even the most generous sick leave policies.