A few weeks ago, I woke up feeling under the weather. It was day one of seven consecutive shifts. I looked into the mirror. A sullen face with sunken eyes stared back. As I was getting dressed, I felt fatigue trying to triumph over my body. Next came a nagging and rude cough that kept interrupting my sentences. I started to feel feverish, and sure enough, I measured a temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit. My husband, who is also a physician, made me some hot tea and gave me a cocktail of medications. We contemplated that I call in sick but instantly felt guilty about the thought and dismissed the inclination. I may have felt like death, but I wasn’t dying. So why would I call in sick and cause sheer scheduling chaos and annoyance to everyone?
My first stop at the hospital was the doctors’ lounge where I filled up a cup with hot water to soothe my throat. After two cups, I made my way to the nurses’ station and reviewed my patient list. Despite the medications and a few cups of hot water, my sickness was apparently transparent as everyone asked me if I was OK. I addressed everyone’s concerns while maintaining a safe distance. Next, I grabbed a mask and gloves and began my doctorly duties of the day. I washed my hands to the point where lotion became a necessity and made sure my mouth full of germs kept tucked away behind that mighty yellow mask.
One patient I saw was a young lady who had been admitted for acute bronchitis. She had received intravenous antibiotics for two days, had fully recovered and was doing well. I walked into her room and told her the good news. She was happy to hear that she would be discharged from the hospital but added that she would like a note for work. She wanted to stay home for a few days and rest before going back to work. I obliged, although I will admit that I was extremely envious. I wished someone would do the same for me but felt contrite for wishing that and dragged myself to the next patient room while battling that irritating cough and feverish fatigue.
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