Classmate claims to be sick...unsure if I was exposed...

[surfer777]

I haven't been on here in a long time...I was doing really well but the past couple of weeks I've seemingly relapsed a bit on my emetophobia

Yesterday one of my classmates came in and sat by me in class. He sounded as if he was coming down with some sort of cold, so I tried not to breathe in his air...impossible, I know, but it made me feel better I guess.

Anyways, I was concerned he was maybe getting the flu, but he wasn't in class today so I texted him and asked if he was alright. He said he's super sick with a fever and that he's been nauseated for the past 24 hours, which means he was nauseous in class yesterday (though I think he was exaggerating for effect...). Basically, after hearing back from him, I had no idea what to expect...just a common cold, the flu, norovirus...frankly, I'd rather not get any of them, but anything is better than noro.

If it's noro, I'm not worried because he didn't throw up in class so I know I couldn't have been exposed to the virus. However, is this is some weird mutant cold/flu, I could have been exposed just by breathing his air, right? What does it sound like to you guys? Apparently he's been fighting the urge to vomit the entire 24 hours. I know, semi-graphic here, I apologize.

If it's the flu or a cold, what's the incubation period? I read between 1 and 4 days, with the average being two days. I know with noro, it's 72 hours, but if you can make it to 48, chances are very good you don't have it...is there something similar to this with a cold or flu? I feel fine today, if I make it through tomorrow feeling fine do you think I will be alright, or are the 3rd and 4th days just a volatile as the first couple days?

Anyways, what do you guys think?

Also, sorry for the long post and the long break from the boards.

[mdgirl1977]

doesn't sound like Noro. a common cold of fever can def cause nausea bc you body is all jammed up. if he was mucousy that can cause n too.

[AIR32]

I agree that it doesnt sound like noro at all. Another thing that has been going around like crazy here in NY is strep which can cause all of the above also. stay calm I think your going to be fine!

[surfer777]

I was kinda thinking the same thing...if it was noro he wouldn't have been at school...probably would have hit him too fast.

I guess I've never been nauseated when I have a cold or when I'm congested...maybe he's got a weak stomach or something.

[AoD]

Well, no, you don't get contaminated by breathing the same air as someone. They need to contaminate the air with aerosolized particles of body secretions (saliva, mucus). That happens when they cough or sneeze, not just by talking or breathing.

[surfer777]

OK...I'm fairly confident he didn't cough or sneeze on me, so I'm not as worried about breathing his air now. Thanks for the replies, this is really easing my pain!! I'll keep y'all posted

[NicManri]

If he has the H1N1 strand of the flu, that could cause nausea.