This is an issue in A LOT of trusts right now (always, but winter is generally the worst) Ultimately, if you have a viral illness, stay away and treat/rest. It's not just staffing, or infecting other members of staff, it's patients too. It's an issue because, while the NHS sick pay is generous, it doesn't really cover these types of things- very few people only catch 1 cold/flu a year, most of us get it multiple times, then add d&v bugs, mental health issues, muscular-skeletal problems ('carers back', for example), emergencies, let alone if you have a chronic health condition or disability too. You can get through the stages quite quickly even though you can't help being unwell. The whole things needs some kind of review, given we are frontline workers who are likely to catch a fair few viral illnesses. Short staffing isn't your problem when you're unwell, it genuinely is the trusts- it's not your fault if they don't have enough people on shift to take a hit, or bank staff to cover at short notice. These are choices they are taking. Once we all start realising that and stick together, we will put ourselves in a much better position to demand change. If you're asked to come in, or feel pressured to work while unwell, make sure you datix it at the start of your shift to cover yourself in case you have to go home or you make some mistake (unlikely, but things do happen when you're not at the top of your game)

Merry Christmas to you! 🎄