Feel like crap but I don't want to phone in sick for work..?

The last week at work before Christmas I had a cold, but I went to work every day regardless. It's now time to go back to work but I either have a new cold, or this one has just stuck with me.

I have a stinking headache, runny nose and a very irritating cough, but on the other hand I have a project to get finished ASAP. I'm a junior web dev and to finish the project I need my.. mentor (not sure what to call him) there to guide me - he usually works Mon-Wed in the office but I'm not sure if he's in tomorrow. I feel that if he is in, I've wasted precious time, but if he's not then there's nothing wasted.

I AM sick, I'm NOT hungover but I feel guilty about not being able to get work done.

What would you do in this situation? Phone in sick or spread the germs.

Ps. The only sick days I've had off were for an operation (signed off by doctor) in Jan and two days where I had to go home from migraines (I showed up for a couple of hours).

Thanks everyone. I think I'm going to down some more pills, get a good nights sleep and then see how I am in the morning.

If I'm any better I'll make the effort, then seek advise from others - I guess they'll just get fedup and say go home.

Phone in sick - you owe yourself the opportunity to get better and your sick record shows you are not a slacker.

You know that you are genuinely ill and you will have a clear conscience. Apologise to your boss and say that you will do everything you can to make up for the lost time.

go to work and take it from there

You sound really dedicated to your job! It's Christmas for god's sake! Phone in sick... I doubt your boss would be pleased with you giving everyone the flu.

Suck it up and go into work. Take some Nyquil tonight and get a good night's sleep.

I've had to go into work before when I had something like strep throat, and my throat was killing me. I had to get a project done that day. So I went into work in the middle of the night because I was in too much pain to sleep, got my project finished and then went home in the morning.

You are to be commended.
Me? I'd go in, and depending on how I felt, I'd do what i had to do, then leave early. At least i made an appearance.
You sound like me. Are you about to be wheeled into the operating room?? No? That means you show up for work.

I wouldn't worry about calling in sick - you cannot help it if you're unwell. Your work performance won't be fantastic anyway if you're not feeling well.

If your feeling upto it then you could always go to work and do your best. Don't push yourself though, if you feel it's too much then let them know and go home. Showing an effort will be appreciated but not expected.

Some medicine (if available), plenty fluid, food (you're supposed to feed a cold, starve a flu) and a good nights sleep will do you good!

Get well soon. =]

I understand, I do the same thing.
Since this might be the only day you can work with him, take some medicine and try to make it.
It might help, then you'll feel better and can finish your project. If it doesn't work, then it will be obvious to everyone around you, and you can go home early.
You'll have tomorrow to call in sick and recoop.