Working in a "War Zone" I need help......

[RosieRoo]

I'm a nanny, and monday shortly after I left the boys' house, the eldest started getting sick all over the house. I spent all monday night and tuesday terrified that I was going to start too. I was in the clear until this morning I had to go get the boys ready for school and go directly into the house that was the center of barfdom yesterday. I didn't touch anything I didn't need to today, when I did, I used my 63% alcohol hand sanitizer, because the people I work for were literally out of soap. (Who runs out of soap, seriously?)
Anyways.... I was in the infected house for an hour this morning, and six hours later, here I am now, with terrible intestine cramps and a stomach ache.... I don't know if I picked up germs from the house, or if there's something else going on here, but I'm terrified. Also, I have to go BACK to the sick house this afternoon to get the kids off the bus and help them do homework and chores until the parents come home (which will NOT be soon enough tonight, if I could skip, I would). I'm just a nervous wreck all the time anyways, but now it's extra horrible because I was with the sick boy for four hours before he started the puke train, and now I've got to go to the sick house tonight, tomorrow morning, tomorrow night, the next day in the morning and at night.... (essentially, every morning and afternoon I will be going to this house). I feel like going into this house is the absolute kiss of death, and by tonight I feel like I'm going to be curled up in a ball on the bathroom floor sick. Seriously, how can I prevent myself from getting sick from this boy and his germy house? Have I already gotten myself sick? How long are the germs going to stay alive in his house? I've heard lots of variations, that stomach bug germs last 3 days on surfaces, and I've also heard they last 13 weeks on hard surfaces, which is true? How long do I need to keep rolling myself in purel for?

[twinmom73]

The sick boy went to school today? If he is well enough and not showing any symptoms to go to school, I really don't think he had a stomach virus but that's just my opinion.

[jotini]

Surely the other kid would have it and the parents too if it was all over the house and they were unhygienic and had no soap.
I think your anxiety is causing you to freak out and the physical symptoms are tying in with the anxiety.
Try to stay calm and rationalise that there's not much you can do except wash your hands before you consume anything. Other than that you will carry on as normal and if it happens then you will deal with it.
I would be very surprised if you got sick

[fixxxer2012]

Remember kids get sick from many other things. Not always a sv. Its hard to say but id be safe and just keep washing your hands. I hope you feel better.

[ewilkins]

I am doubtful that any virus can survive up to 13 weeks. Just ensure that you wash your hands very well; especially before putting them around your nose, eyes and mouth. You might also want to call your doctor's office to ask them about how long the virus can live outside of the human body. It might make you feel better!

[RosieRoo]

twinmom, yes, the aforementioned sick boy was sent to school today even though he didn't feel that great, his Mom wouldn't keep him home another day. jotini, I did have that revelation, he started getting sick 48 hours ago, if his Mom, Dad, and little brother are somehow NOT sick, then clearly the germiness must not be that bad!! I'm still minorly worried, but not as petrified as I was earlier.

[twinmom73]

twinmom, yes, the aforementioned sick boy was sent to school today even though he didn't feel that great, his Mom wouldn't keep him home another day. jotini, I did have that revelation, he started getting sick 48 hours ago, if his Mom, Dad, and little brother are somehow NOT sick, then clearly the germiness must not be that bad!! I'm still minorly worried, but not as petrified as I was earlier.

Poor kid. I told my son he could stay home today cause he was home yesterday with me for an upset stomach and had diarrhea. By by last night he was eating well, and outside running around, and wanted to go to school. I told hom to make sure he washes his hands REALLY well if he uses the bathroom at school and to try not to touch anyone else's things. (Just in case it was a virus, so he doesn't spread it) I think one of the reasons it spreads in school and work is because people cannot take off 5 days in case they are still contagious (although i REALLY pisses me off when they come in while they ARE sick) But if they are diligent with hand washing and hygiene, they can keep from spreading it.

[RosieRoo]

twinmom, I felt kinda bad for him too, he had color in his face again, and had a piece of lightly buttered toast for breakfast, he seemed happy and jovial but was still not up to his extreme fireball self. His little brother is completely unfazed which is great, if the Mom, Dad, and little brother didn't get sick, I'm pretty much home free. I'm feeling quite a bit better about this than I did this morning. Still a tiny bit afraid. And yeah, god forbid I have kids one day and they're sick, I'll be that one mom that keeps them home for too long just to make sure they're clear before going back to school lol

[ditchy_jon]

There are so many different types of Viruses that can cause Sickness, however the main ones are Rotavirus and Norovirus. Chances are that if the kids have Rotavirus you are already immune. However to be safe I would suggest, steam cleaning any carpets that have been contaminated with vomit. Then any hard surfaces clean with bleach based substance. Most stomach virus are not airbourne and can only be caught with direct contact, such as sharing kitchen utensils, or shaking hands with someone after they have vomited.
Also ensure that before you eat anything or put your fingers in your mouth, wash your hands thoroughly with Soap and Water, this will kill any virus that transmitted onto your hands.

[Kinetic]

Rosie I seriously doubt you will get sick, especially if the family who are probably in closer proximity for longer periods of time are fine! And his little brother especially, if he didn't pick it up then I seriously SERIOUSLY doubt that you will
Keep washing hands, thats all you can really do.