Olschesky, how on earth did you keep your phobia to yourself!? I only recently found out it has a name too, but my friends and family all knew, even when I was a little kid, that I absolutely flipped out when confronted with any *idea* of V*! They just thought I was nuts
And Kerry, welcome! I've found this site to be amazingly helpful as both a support group and a learning forum. I've learned SO much about the body and viruses since I've joined. There are many of us "life long" emets here who have survived our teenage, college, and childbearing years and can give you tons of advice for coping. What were you in the hospital for?