Article posted Wednesday, October 9, 2013 2:48pm

Dear Mary Pat,

Flu season is coming on us, and I think my coworker is developing some kind of illness – cold and hot flashes, coughing, a runny nose, persistent trips to the restroom. I told her to just go home if she feels ill, but she brushed it off, “No, I’m fine.”

I have two children and a vacation coming up – I don’t want to get sick! I really think she needs to go home and rest.

What do I do?

Signed,

Bug Off

Fish Creek, WI

Dear Bug Off,

It is frustrating when a coworker comes in to work while ill. I know it’s an inconvenience when someone is home sick, but better one person than the whole office. You’ve already asked her to go home directly. You might want to mention this to your boss next. He or she will perhaps be more persuasive.

You also need to make sure that you give your immune system every possible advantage. Make friends with your hand sanitizer and use it often. Continuously clean surfaces that your coworker has touched with an anti-bacterial cleaner. Drink lots of fluids and get lots of rest. If you are in good form, you are more likely to not catch what your co-worker has.

Good luck,

Mary Pat