any advice?

[catp819]

I'm new to the forum, and I also accidentally posted this in "success stories".

I don't think my case is as intense as some of yours probably is, but I do have little freak out sessions myself. I was just getting better (I usually only freak out during the winter time) because it was finally nice out and the "stomach bug" that goes around usually is only around here then. WELL... I came into work yesterday at 3pm and found out the guy before me went home sick at 8:30am. He didn't get sick HERE, he was only here for an hour and a half and the woman who covered for him from 8:30-3 said she wiped things down with my wipes I have here (she knows my problem). I am wondering if any of you have done the research I have done and can answer some of my lingering thoughts/worries about this.

First: I have tried so many times to figure out how a countertop would be contaminated with the virus, is it only if the infected person v* on it? or near it? Or is it really as bad as he just has to touch it (he washes his hands a lot).

Second: How likely do you think it is that I would get it from him? He was gone 6.5 hours before I got here, the windows/doors were open all day, the counters were wiped down (not with bleach, but with something) and he didn't actually get sick here.

I only get crazy with this particular bug. I don't freak out if other people have gotten so drunk that they get sick because I know them getting sick won't be contagious for me, I only get crazy with the bug. Any opinions or thoughts on convincing myself I'd be okay?

OH... on a side note, I've been wondering for a while, when you respond could you put how long you've had your phobia? and if you've ever gotten the stomach virus since you've had it? It might help me out a little bit. I've had my phobia for about... 8 years I think, it's only recently gotten really bad. Please help! Thanks!

[pretendworld_]

Are you sure he even went home with a stomach virus and wasn't just feeling unwell? It's extremely unlikely he's contaminated anything since he didn't get sick at work. You are only contagious once symptoms begin (v or d) and even then it's easy to avoid it spreading.

I'm the same as you though, I only fear catching something contagious that will make me v. I reaaaaally don't like saying it (for fear of it actually happening) but I haven't had a stomach virus in 11 years. They are a lot less common in emets because we tend to have excellent hygiene and avoid people who we know are sick.

[catp819]

Well, when I first came in my boss (the woman covering) said that he went home sick, and that she thought it was a stomach thing (cuz she knows how I am with it). She said he looked awful, like, really sweaty I guess??? And he actually went to the hospital to get checked out and he commented later on facebook that the doctors said it was a 24 hour stomach bug, so ya, I'm pretty sure that's what it was.

The woman who covered right after him was fine all day today (so far) ~*knock on wood*~ I think I'll be the most nervous about it tonight though. I usually think to myself I'm likely in the clear 48-72 hours after the fact, which, for me I came in at 3 yesterday, but was here at work where he was until 11, so I'll probably feel in the clear after 11 on Sunday. I've been trying to do my research on it and helping myself out, I haven't gotten too bad so far with this one, which is wierd because he was actually right HERE, usually I'll freak out if someone I know hung out with someone who was sick, but this time the sick person was RIGHT HERE and I'm not going as crazy as I usually do. ~*knock on wood*~ lol.