New pharmacists getting sick more often?

[sharpcat]

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I just started working as a pharmacist a few months ago.

One thing I have noticed is that I have been ill twice since I started working. I rarely get sick and this is very unusual for me. When I do get sick its usually mild, nothing serious like the symptoms I've had lately.

I am usually very good about washing my hands often, not touching my face, keeping my distance from ill patient, etc. But I have not been able to avoid illness.

Any pharmacists out there experience anything like this when they started working? I hope this does not become a trend as I feel quite horrible.

Note: I never became ill during any of my practical rotations.

 

[358265]

I just started working as a pharmacist a few months ago.

One thing I have noticed is that I have been ill twice since I started working. I rarely get sick and this is very unusual for me. When I do get sick its usually mild, nothing serious like the symptoms I've had lately.

I am usually very good about washing my hands often, not touching my face, keeping my distance from ill patient, etc. But I have not been able to avoid illness.

Any pharmacists out there experience anything like this when they started working? I hope this does not become a trend as I feel quite horrible.

Note: I never became ill during any of my practical rotations.

Maybe due to the overall increased stress + lack of job security + overhead/work demands? These factors combined with the cycle of lack of sleep = higher incidence of sickness.

 

[abc1234567]

sharp cat retail pharmacy does take a toll on your health.I felt the same
Agree with pharmaguide.During rotations your license was not on the line
Very stressful conditions can decease your immunity etc

 

[notafraid87]

Retail pharmacy or hospital? Maybe the real work is causing you stress and anxiety...eh, what do I know?

 

[rph3664]

It could be any combination of factors.

When I worked at the grocery store, people would ask us all the time how we stayed healthy even though we were around sick people all day. I told them that we probably aren't exposed to any more germs than anyone else who works with the public, or goes out in public for that matter.

 

[BidingMyTime]

My first job in retail, I was sick literally every month for the first year. After that, my immune system was much better.

 

[124bbb]

Maybe due to the overall increased stress + lack of job security + overhead/work demands? These factors combined with the cycle of lack of sleep = higher incidence of sickness.

I would agree it is probably related to added pressure and stressors from leaving life as a student to full blown practicing responsibilities.

 

[confettiflyer]

not rooted in anything scientific, but it could be you're just getting used to the particular strains of bugs in that area. i was sick at low levels for like a month when i moved from west to east coast, and again when i started working at the hospital.

 

[Ackj]

When I was doing my inpatient rotation last summer, all of the residents and myself (they had a spare desk in their office) got mildly sick and had odd migraines. None of us had a history of migraines prior, but starting in the second week we all got them. I haven't had one since that week, however. Probably was sunspots, fluoride in the water, radio-wave mind control, etc.

 

[358265]

When I was doing my inpatient rotation last summer, all of the residents and myself (they had a spare desk in their office) got mildly sick and had odd migraines. None of us had a history of migraines prior, but starting in the second week we all got them. I haven't had one since that week, however. Probably was sunspots, fluoride in the water, radio-wave mind control, etc.

Conspiracies!

 

[Indypharm]

I spent my first year in retail sick every other week. Worst part was that I then brought it home and gave it to my husband and new baby. The whole family was ill for an entire year. I think it's common. Teachers are often sick when they first start, at least we have a counter separating us from the public.

 

[rxlea]

Yep. When I worked retail, I was sick for the first 6 months or so. Same thing when I started at the hospital. Mostly colds, mild sore throats, stuff like that. I'm immune to a lot now except this year the flu got me. Other than that, I haven't been super sick in a long time.

 

[owlegrad]

I have avoided this so far thankfully, but like someone said, if you have worked with the public before you are likely already exposed to the common stuff anyway.

 

[358265]

I have avoided this so far thankfully, but like someone said, if you have worked with the public before you are likely already exposed to the common stuff anyway.

True. I find that most people who never get sick either work with the general public on a consistent basis or they had at one point in their career/lives, so much that they have built up natural immunity. The ones that get sick are like me and never go out + like to "stay indoors" as much as possible. It's all about the hygiene hypothesis theory!

 

[297point1]

I saw the title of this thread and thought it was going to be a rant about young grads calling out sick for the sniffles...I must be getting jaded 🙂