Is it ok to go to work if I'm sick?

• Author: Appiah, Kwame Anthony
• Position: Ethical Dilemma - Brief article

I recently caught a cold but went to work anyway. I had only one sick day left, and I wanted to save it in case of a true emergency. My sneezes and cough were met by angry looks. I know it's not polite of me to possibly make co-workers sick. But I really couldn't afford to take any days without pay. What should I have done in this situation?--Anonymous

YOU OUGHT TO TAKE reasonable measures to keep from passing on infections to co-workers, and staying home is a good way of doing that. This isn't just a matter of etiguette (as your use of the word "polite" suggests). Banking your sick days is selfish, though understandable. Certainly, your...