text: what if the absence isnt all the time? i am talking about missing once every blue moon, not all the time.  they are not going to accept a doctors note if you have the flu for 3 days and not enough sick time to cover the absence.  if i am throwing up how does that constitute a safe work environment for my co-workers.  if one person comes to work with the flu because of fear of getting fired the in return gets 10 more people sick how are the helping the productivity of the company.  i have a child at home with severe asthma and i know i dont want to get the flu and give it to my son because someone didnt want o get fired. (just an example) there is fmla, family medical leave act that protects you.  not sure where you live but there is usually a state act also.  here in oregon we are allowed to leave work and say it is a family leave and no questions are asked and no penalties involved.  if your employer is being unfair you should go to this link and read up.  you have rights as a mom of a sick child!!!  http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla/