iStockphoto + Scrubs
Whether you have seasonal allergies or just get sensitive around certain irritants at work, having an allergic reaction during your shift can pose a number of etiquette problems. Most mild allergic reactions won’t significantly interfere with your ability to do your job. But allergy symptoms can sap your energy and make it tough to get through a long workday. Occasionally, they can make simple tasks much harder than they should be. For example, if you’re having bouts of uncontrollable sneezing, your patients may take one look at you with a needle in your hand and run the other way!
Don’t Appear Contagious
Hay fever and hives aren’t catching, but patients and coworkers may give you the stink eye if they see you sneezing, coughing or scratching. Everyone gets the creeps when it comes to germs in the hospital. A bright red rash can conjure images of all sorts of deadly tropical diseases in the minds of nearby hypochondriacs. Slap on the anti-itch cream and cover up with a loose, long-sleeve cotton shirt under your scrubs top or a lab coat over it to conceal an allergic skin rash. When you can’t stop sneezing, consider wearing a face mask to keep from spraying everyone around you.
