UGH! Why do have to hear about outbreaks

[madisonsmom]

I hate hearing where this stupid virus is. It is another home about 30 minutes from me. I was really thinking it was getting better around here. I may still be. But you know what? I have started back to work after a 3 1/2 week leave. Right before I left there was a terrible stomach virus that was going around. The last case was about 1 1/2 weeks ago...almost 2 weeks. I think. More like 1 1/2 weeks...is that virus out of there? I mean I cant get it can I. I am starting in my emet/panic state thinking...is the virus still living on things? No one is sick. For those of you who dont know I work in an assisted living facility with 60 residents and almost all of them got it and so did more than half of our employees. I am new in there and I am thinking "Is that virus waiting in here getting ready to jump on me??" (kidding..)


Is it in there?? UGH! I am worried I am going to get it and its not even going around anymore. I just read too much and read somewhere that the virus can live up to 30 days on hard surfaces?? I have also read like 8 hours? Which is it?[img]smileys/smilies_11.gif[/img]

[madisonsmom]

It is so silly! If I get sick...so be it![img]smileys/smilies_02.gif[/img] I just hate anticipation!

[2jo2]

I think you're safe after 1 1/2 weeks, I'm sure they've sanitized things to try and stop the virus when it was going around, so I'd think things were pretty darned cleaned up. I would worry too and do exactly the same thinking you are, but really I think you're safe. Just remember to wash your hands frequently, wear gloves if you can, don't touch your face, etc.

[shiva]

You are going to be fine. Just remember, even if the virus is still around (which I am sure it is not), our bodies fight this stuff off naturally. Your body will protect you. Try really hard not to stress out about it because stress is bad on your immune system and stress can also cause your tummy to hurt and then you may panic. I know it's easier said than done. "don't stress out", but try really hard not to worry about it. I don't know how you feel, but I believe that things happen for a reason. I don't think that the universe hands any one of us more than we can handle at one time. I guess that sounds cheezy or cliche, but when terrible things happen, I TRY to understand how it is meant to challenge me and help me evolve into a better person. I don't know... I don't know if that helps. I really want to applaud you for doing the kind of work you do, though. Assisted living places need more people with giving hearts and patience. I think it is great when somebody can give themselves that way.