Me vs The Cold, Round...Whatever & 1/2

If I had to rank all the things I hate about winter, cold and flu season would be right at the top if not at least in the top five. I hate all of it - the raw soreness in my throat, not being able to breathe through my nose, the general lethargy and the constant coughing. It can go away and never darken my door again.

I also hate the guilt. I don't know why, but I always feel guilty when I take a sick day off of work. Now more than ever, because we have our larger building and need more people to cover both floors. I took today off because I started coming down with a cold on Sunday and it had hit me full-force by Monday. It's not almost Wednesday and nothing's changed, except the coughing is becoming more frequent. And I'm worried/feeling guilty about taking another day off.

I know, better safe than sorry especially with all the concern nowadays with swine flu and H1N1. And it's not like I can't afford it; I have a bunch of sick leave built up. But I still can't help feeling guilty about taking one sick day, let alone two in a row. I feel like I'm letting my coworkers down or leaving them in the lurch or something.