I VISITED a doctor last week, and it was a totally unnecessary trip, just like a previous trip I made about two weeks ago.

Both times it was for a throat infection and the doctors noted that a bug was going round.

It is impossible to stop the spread of a bug completely but, for sure, people here are not doing enough when a bug makes its rounds, when some simple measures can be taken.

There is a "malingerer" mentality among some employers, and they frown when someone stays away from work.

I've heard one boss call someone a wimp because he was on medical leave. Attitudes like these prompt a "hero" mentality among employees.

Tell me, have you not seen a colleague dragging himself to work, sneezing and coughing away, at one time or another

Both employers and employees should realise that illness can cripple a whole office. It makes more sense for the sick employee to stay home.

Another point I stress to my colleagues, every time I send someone who's developed a cough, cold, or fever home is this: go home, get better and come back fit. I need fit troops in the office.

So, one measure is: drop those "malingerer" and "hero" mentalities towards being ill. People who are likely to spread illness should stay at home.

The second measure kicks in when one cannot stay away from the office: wear a mask.

This has not caught on here. It is common to see people in the office, coughing away.

Just ride a train during the peak hour to realise how easily a large number of people can be infected if someone who's ill doesn't wear a mask.

Or how many people can be spared if the sick person wears a mask.

In my case, it seems clear that I picked up the bug because someone did not wear a mask.

That's what made my trips to the doctor unnecessary.

Last week at the clinic I discussed it with the doctor and, as I could work from home, he asked me to stay home. That's where this was written.

However, for many, work requires being in the office.

Perhaps it is shyness that prevents people from wearing masks when they are ill.

Maybe it will help if doctors prescribe masks and state in MCs that the person should wear a mask for a certain number of days. So, one can say the doctor ordered it.

My doctor suggested buying a big box of masks and keeping it in the office.

Anyone who shows symptoms will be ordered to wear one if they want to stay.

That is what I am going to do.

myp@sph.com.sg