Learn the best ways to avoid getting sick. I wash my hands nearly obsessively when they have pink eye, norovirus, or something equally contagious, and I rarely get those illnesses. Colds and the flu are a little more tricky, but I take as many precautions as is reasonable.

Anonymous wrote:What difference does it make if the nanny was exposed to an illness at work? I'm exposed to my co-worker's illnesses all the time and my boss certainly isn't giving anyone extra sympathy or time off because of it.

Because being a nanny is a much different dynamic.
If my child had pinkeye I would not expose another individual to it.
And if I did, I would then not be surprised if she didn’t show up for work.
Exposing another individual to pinkeye, knowing it is 100% likely going to be caught by that individual is just plain inconsiderate.
Bar none.

Why would any loving parent want someone with pinkeye around their kid?
If someone had pinkeye, the last place I would want them is around my child(ren.)
How can any sensible parent want someone with such a contagious infection around their child?

What difference does it make if the nanny was exposed to an illness at work? I'm exposed to my co-worker's illnesses all the time and my boss certainly isn't giving anyone extra sympathy or time off because of it.

Anonymous wrote:You only work for them two days a week. They are right to be annoyed that you are calling off with little notice for essentially 1/2 of the week.

And you are wrong about the "pink eye". True bacterial conjunctivitis will not clear on it's own and can have serious complications. Viral conjunctivitis will and there is nothing to be done about it. Yours sounds viral...take some Claritin and do your job. A Dr isn't going to tell you any differently.

Considering that when you awaken - your eyes are shut, it is highly likely that your pink eye is bacterial since you likely have discharge which is what bacterial pink eye is.

Viral pink eye usually only has a liquid discharge, more like a clear thin tear.

They likely gave their kid antibiotics and just told you the kid’s pink eye went away on its own so if you came down with it, they can say their kid did not give it to you, etc.
Then make you feel guilty for leaving them high and dry.

A good employer would apologize for exposing you, then give you the day off sans an attitude.
They should also give you pay.
But if not at least a day off to seek medical attention.