I just wanted to start this post because my phobia hasn't been that bad
lately, but I have been reading what everyone else is going through and
their worries over exposure and wanted to offer some words of comfort
that have held true for me over the years.



I read a while ago that many, if not most, of what people call sv* or
gastroenteritis, is actually food poisoning or just something that
didn't agree with them. People just call it sv* cause they don't
realize it is food poisoning, or its just easier to explain. I am
pretty sure food poisoning can start even up to a week after you have
eaten the culprit. Now I guess this isn't comforting to those who
worry about v*ing from food, but it should be of some comfort to those
worried about exposure from co-workers. When I hear of someone
near me feeling ill or being sick, I like to assume that it was
something they ate and not contagious. Of course I probably will
try to avoid them for a couple days, but if I saw them the day before
they got sick or something, this is what I try to think and it helps me remain calmer.



What are some other comforting ways of thinking about this phobia and
v*? For instance, I comfort by saying if it does happen it will
be over quickly, and now I use a tip another poster suggested and plan
on turning the lights off in the bathroom if it ever comes down to it,
so I can eliminate one of the unpleasant aspects of the whole
experience.

Edited by: sheryl81