Help! Miserable!

[melissakirwan]

Hey everyone,

This is my first time posting on this site, hoping to find another source of help through the tricky winter months! I have been an emet for as long as I can remember, but it came out through OCD symptoms 12 years ago. I am now 20 and have conquered many, if not all, of my obsessions and compulsions, but the phobia is still there.

Last night I got some bad news, which I am really struggling with - panic attack late last night, not been able to stop crying today etc. My boyfriend lives in a house of 6 other students and one of them came down with a sv yesterday. They share everything - toilet, bathroom, kitchen, taps, fridges, EVERYTHING. This is not as serious as those times when we think we've been exposed to a sv, but it is preventing me from seeing my boyfriend and absolutely breaking my heart. He's very supportive, but it's affecting him as well - I saw him today at Uni and he got really upset about the whole situation and I couldn't even bring myself to hug him!! The girl who had the sv is better now, but I don't know how long to leave it before I start seeing my boyfriend again - what if I see him then he gets it?? I won't be able to stay at the house for a while, but I'm desperate to see him in any other way at my house. Anybody got any advice?? Thank you!!

[Pigatron]

Welcome to the site! Definitely don't go to his house right now, I don't blame you. Once it blows over and you eventually go to his house, I would still be super vigilant about not accepting any snacks there for a while, and washing your hands before eating or touching your face, because stomach viruses can live on hard surfaces for at least 2 weeks, or so I've read. Can you encourage your boyfriend to clean their bathroom with bleach? That would keep him safer as well. As far as seeing your boyfriend is concerned, it's OK as long as he's not exhibiting symptoms. You can't get it unless the V or poo of someone with the virus gets into your mouth. I guess there's a slim possibility he might have the virus on his clothing, if, for example, he brushed by a contaminated surface in his house with his shirt or whatever. But even in that scenario, you would have to somehow get that exact bit of clothing or whatever either directly in your mouth, or on your hand then transfer it to your mouth. But as long as you stay on top of a meticulous hand washing routine, you should be fine. It's great that your bf is supportive!

[NicManri]

I totally understand you not wanting to go to his house right now but there is no reason not to hug him if he isn't sick. You can't catch an sv until after a person is showing symptoms, so if he's not sick your not going to catch anything from him

[melissakirwan]

Thanks for the advice! I definitely won't be going to his house for at least 2 weeks, so hopefully once I do go there the risk will be tiny, still nerve-wracking though! The girl who v* only had it for about 12 hours and is now completely fine, so they think it was something she ate rather than an sv, but obviously I won't be taking the risk! It's just frustrating when I'm not seeing my boyfriend because of it and it might not even be contagious! I'm planning to get him or one of the others to bleach the toilet (at least) so hopefully that will help. I'm just now struggling with the decision as to when to have my boyfriend over to mine.