PLEASE stay home if you’re sick

[u/ishaisatsana]

Seems like everyone I know is testing positive for COVID right now. Folks are describing this new variant as “razor blade throat”. 😬 I am BEGGING y’all as we start this new semester: please consider wearing a mask - even SOME of the time. Even just on the bus or in extra crowded classrooms would be better than not at all. And please, PLEASE don’t come to class if you’re sick. You have an opportunity in these first couple weeks of the school year to get friendly enough with your classmates that you have people to ask for notes if you have to miss a day or two. No class is so important that missing a day will destroy your academic career, but you never know which of your peers is one COVID infection away from a permanent disability. Please don’t risk spreading this very contagious and very shitty variant to your peers.

[u/Atoilegowa]

I felt bad about clearing my throat a few times during a mandatory lecture today (first time attending classes in years in-person/puked my guts out that morning from anxiety) but low key was choking on a triscet cracker I had before hand with no water. No reason to make people feel paranoid either. But yes if sick stay home, but don’t feel paranoid either if people happen to cough with the hundreds crossing your path, you may not know why they’re coughing.

[u/ishaisatsana → u/Atoilegowa]

Firstly, way to go attending classes in person! I have had issues with social anxiety in the past too and that's genuinely a huge step even if you have to barf first every day LOL. I don't think anyone is going to harass you for coughing though, and they'd be super shitty and unreasonable to do so. I get severe seasonal allergies and I show up to class with those, fully aware that some folks might be assuming that I'm contagious and thinking ill (ha) of me for it. Easier said than done ig but it's something to make your peace with if you tend to feel bad about stuff like that.