diligently sick...

Something is wrong here...

You are sick, down with flu or something....your co-worker gets infected, was down with MC the next day...you persist in coming to work day after day....over the weekend, you did not rest adequately so you did not recover...and you continue going to work with the flu that seemed to have worsen over the weekend...

You did the above despite well meaning advice from co-workers to go home and rest, see a doctor, that health is more important than work...even that it is important to be considerate and stay away from workplace when you are unwell.

And is this being hardworking?

my humble opinion....
from my experience, a flu/cold is usually worsen in airconditioned environment. the cold air is probably not going to quicken the recovery. when down with a stuffy/runny nose, the most essential is to get adequate rest. with rest, recovery is faster.if a flu persist for a week, the least you can do is to see a doc and find out what is exactly wrong. be on medication.

is this the result of the corporate culture or personal wilfulness?