winter is ALMOST here.

[mystikal star]

I went jean shopping yesterday with my mom and while buying jeans it just hit me that this fall or winter could be the time when 'it' happens. How many winters can I go safe? My luck WILL run out. I'm petrified already and winter isn't even here yet. Its just now I'm working with the public at a petshop and that makes me more open to that horrible v bug. I don't know what to do. I'm so scared!!! Just had to bring that up. Sorry. And then the longer nights? I can't stand it when it gets dark at like 5:30. Night times are horrible for me!!! Well, me scared. I dont want summer to end.

[rachelle]

Hey,


Its weird because I have never thought bugs were more prominant in winter time?! Everyone on the site always says it but bugs exist all year round. I think more of colds during winter, maybe thats just me?


Anywayneed to think positively. Just because bugs exist doesnt mean that u will get them. Worrying excessively over the situation will not make it go away or make u feel any better. I know its scary but, the winter isnt here yet... so dont worry about it yet... enjoy the rest of the summer as much as u can and think about those situations wen they arise. I'm sorry theres not much more I can say to help.


Rachel xxx

[mystikal star]

And also in the winter I get colds like crazy and some people on here have v-ed from colds....And now I'm scared of vbugs and colds.... This is gonna be a tough season..

[jenniflower]

i'm with my v-phobic friend and we are having "Mental night" and you hit it right on the nose....as soon as leaves start changing, i'm trying to find the first place giving out flu shots.....i had a really bad fall/winter last year....feeling sick all the time and whatnot....and i am associating the weather with how i feel.....i am on meds now that seem to help, but i can't help having these fears....how do i make myself look forward to this time of year instead of dread it?

[youngemet222]

I think that stomach viruses goaround more in moist weather and a lot ofplaces have wetter, colder weather in Winter. Germs live in moist places, so they can live longer and have time to spread. If it is hot and dry, germs cannot live as long as they do in the Winter. I am not sure that is totally accurate, but I think that is the general explanation of why it does. If it is not, and you want to know why it goes around in Winter, try seaching for it. I really do not know what to tell you, honestly, but I have not seen that much vomit during the Winter. All you can do is wash your hands, stay away from sick people, and hope for the best.


Peace.


LizZy

[sunshine16]

It is true that SOME people v* from colds but really, how likely is a cold gonna make some one v*? Only elderly or very weak people have a chance of v*ing from colds, nevermind a small chance. And you KNOW how strong stomached we emets are, so there is not a chance that it is even remotly likely for a cold to make us v*. It takes everything to! Hope this makes you feel better!

[Babydoll]

colds suck, but ive never ever V from one. i have one now actually. i feel crappy, but i think as long as you keep food in your stomach ( mucas on an empty stomach feels kinda gross) u should be okay.


I do hear more people getting sick in the winter, but I think its due to the fact no ones outside and not much air circulating around.

[hippychick]

Ok, I hate this, I feel like it creates unnesscary panic so here goes! there is a 99.% chance you WILL NOT v* from the cold or respitry flu bugs. Some people do but most people don't. I *touch wood* haven't. Even when I had a horrible flu once. And what happens to one person may never happen to you!


cold and Flu's do go around more that is true. The only reason people think V* bugs go around is because near xmas time people are going to parties all the time, people V* and blame it on a bug. People eat more and V* blame it on a bug, people spend more time together (doing things emets might not do) and therefore catch bugs. But you are not more likely. Look how many emet's we have V* in summer and in winter, its the same. I don't mean to scare you or make summer unsafe. Just to make you see that its no more or less likely.In the winter people get depressed and more prone to illness. You can only do what you do and get on with life the best you can. But panicking right now will be no help. Why not try and think of things you can do to help yourself through this. If you know something you find bad is coming do you sit and wait or do you get ready for it?

[Melikasa]

most people do because they have let themselves swallow a ton of mucus or they cough so hard they gag. It isn't really a nauseated flu like t/u.
The other thing is they call it flu season because people ARE closed into places with recirculated air and more likely inside than outside. School stars in September here in Canada and it is a perfect place. Kids putting pencils in there mouths and sharing the pencils,touching doorknobs and hand railings and then touching theirface. Then they bring it home.
Now "FLU" the one you get a shot for, is not the same as the stomach flu.



This is the flu you are thinking about and nausea and v****** are not part of the symptoms.

<UL>
<LI>Headache
<LI>Chills
<LI>Dry cough
<LI>Body aches
<LI>Fever
<LI>Stuffy nose
<LI>Sore throat </LI>[/list]


What people call stomach flu is usually marked by nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and a general sick feeling.


The virus enters the stomach and intestine and inflames the lining of these organs. As a result, the stomach and intestine are temporarily unable to perform their usual functions. The virus can also cause food to move more rapidly through your gastrointestinal (GI) tract.


So even though the cold and flu season is fast approaching you aren't any more succeptible than you were through spring and summer.
The same rules apply wash your hands, make sure your food is fully cooked and avoid sharing things orally with people that may be sick. Avoid hand to face touching especially when out and if you have dissinfectant wipes you can use them to wipe off the phone before you use it.
I hope it kind of eases your fears.

[Melikasa]

PS......


I was thinking. (got the old hamster running) and maybe those of you (and I think I mentioned this in another post) that are feeling depressed, gloomy, tired, easily fatigued, irritable, over eating and have continuous cold like symptoms have SAD (seasonal affective dissorder. You don't have to have ALL of the above to suffer either.


Of course this is just a thought. The treatment is easy too its called light therapy. I use to rent them and sell them to people that were suffering from this condition.

[mbs730]

Uggh
the winter of 2003 came the Norwalk virus! No one who I knew had it but
gosh I was a mess at that time! I was afraid for my husband to go to
work! But luckily he or no one caught it. From what I understand, when
you v from the Norwalk virus, its VIOLENT projectile v, not just
regular sv v'ing. Actually in November 1999 I had a terrible sv where I
only had SEVERE d and I felt just HORRIBLE! I tell ya though, if I
wasnt an emet I am sure I would have v'ed. Its amazing what our minds
can do.



Miriam

</span></font>

[crazybeautiful]

UGH..protectile vomitting makes me want to gag. the word, the thought, the sound of those words. it actually makes me mad to think about it and whoever made up that sick disgusting word. UGH.


Melissa, thanks for clearing that up, I try to tell everyone that FLU is actually INFLUENZA. not the stomac flu.

[mbs730]

Oh
I'm sorry I hope I didnt upset you by saying that. I admit I am kinda
tired, I should have mentioned that what I was saying was graphic. And
yes its disgusting.



Miriam

</span></font>

[crazybeautiful]

oh don't worry, it doesn't bother me to see it, i can read it, it just disgusted me, like anger!!!

[crazybeautiful]

lol. i sounded kinda like a bitch in that first post!!! HAha, sorry nothing bad on you, i just hate the thought of "projectile vomitting". UGH.

[mbs730]

Yeah it is pretty bad lol



Miriam

</span></font>

[mystikal star]

Can someone explain projectile vomiting?

[terified girl]

pROJECTILE V* IS WHEN IT COME SHOOTING OUT 5 FEET AWAY FROM YOU, ITS OUT OF YOUR CONTROL.....


I thought I was the only one who used to be afraid of the winter, when the spring arrives is when I become alive again, and already I am worried about the winter on its way, as everybody is talking about back to school, I am screaming inside....


But I do stay away from alot of ppl in the winter, my cousins with their kids who are always sick, and now they are mad at me for not visiting much but I'd rather they hate me, then me catching something rom them. And I wash my hands like crazy, and I try not to breathe when someone sick is around me (even though I know that doesn't do anything), and I carry antibacterial gel, other than these things there is not much else you can do.....


I hope this helps you a bit...


We'll fret together...Sonia

[sarahx]

Ive never been worried about the winter because you dont go out as much so you are less likely to catch bugs that could lead to u v*. Most ppl just get colds in the winter and ive never evere, before i came on this site heard of ppl v* from colds????


Anyway, the only thing i do hate is the dark evenings, but hey what can we do? Not much right?


Sarah xxx

[ejb199]

I agree with Hippychick. you are not more likely to v* in the winter time than any other time of the year. infact until i started thinking rationally, i was scared to death of august the 14th and couldnt stand the summer months. but this year i havent given it a second thought. Try not to worry about something that hasnt even happened yet. Instead prepare yourself - like Louise said - what can you do to make yourself feel better? I.e think about eating sensibly - i know its all to easy to assume that eating might make you v* too but not eating properly will only make you less immune to any bugs actually going round. make sure your getting all your vitamins - stock up on vitamin c.

im exactly the opposite - i love the dark nights - cuddled up in front of the fire with blankets and cushions, watching the TV - its lush! and then Christmas on the way!

love ems

[2jo2]

Well I don't know, but it sure seems like the v* bug only goes around here in the winter. I've researched it alot and what I seem to read is that the reason the bugs travel around so much in the winter is because people are stuck inside, unlike the summer. When I first came to this site, I remember posting that my emet was so bad that I considered moving to a warm climate so that I could avoid the v* bugs in the winter, because there'd never be winter in a warm climate. People assured me that the bug goes around even in the warm weather, such as Texas and Florida. So I guess we can't ever get away from it!


I dread the winter too, around November 1st here is the start of winter, with no leaves on the trees, cold temps, snow, all the yucky traits of winter, and we have it for 6 months!!! It takes all of my will just to get through winter. I hate it.

[Jenneh]

i think as long as u keep ur vitamin intake up, dont worry, and ur immune system can have the chance to stay strong, and FIGHT BACK!


i know Izzy is particularly worried about this as well, and so i think she went out the other day to buy some of that echinachea stuff. its really good. i swear by it. all my friends will tell you.


we're all still gnna be here for u during the winter though. so u wont be doing it alone!!


Jen xxxxx

[sunshine16]

Yes, as long as you keep your immune system strong, there is no reason for the chances of you v*ing to be higher than in summer.

[mystikal star]

See now I'm worried because I'm taking a pill that screws with your immune system. Its called Minocycline and it's for my small acne problem. And in six months I have to have blood work drawn because of the medication. Supposedly this medication fights bacteria in the body so why would it attack my immune system? But if I take a multivitamin will the vitamin make up for any immune system strength loss that theMinocycline has caused me? I'll ask my doctor when I see her next Tuesday. I'm a little worried about this medication.

[Jenneh]

umm, i dont see why this pill wud attack ur immune system!!


i actually think its boosting ur immune system, if it attacks bacteria!!


Jen xxx

[jgirl236]

Winter is scary for me too. But I think it has more to do with the fact that the nights are longer and you are more confined to your home or work. You can't go out side and get a breath of fresh air when you are feeling panicked. And with that comes the spread of germs in recycled air.


I agree with the few of you that said that we need to try not to worry until it happens (i know that is hard to do!) I think a big part of my anxiety problem (as it relates to emet) is that i am constantly scaring myself about what might happen. its a curse really. I too feel like I get "lucky" when a v* bug goes around and I don't get it. And I too wonder just when my luck will run out. So I tend to panic when things go well for any decent period of time. That is no way to live my life! Always waiting for something bad (i.e V*) to happen? Its awful.


I am going to try and not freak out this winter until something happens that I have justified reason to freak out. And even then - i am hoping I can handle it with some grace and dignity.


Here's to a fun and happy winter!


Jessica[img]smileys/smilies_02.gif[/img]

[Melikasa]

Avoid taking multivitamins, iron supplements, antacids, and laxatives within 2 hours of taking minocycline. These products may decrease the effectiveness of minocycline.


the blood test are more of a precaution. 1 in 100,000 people are sometimes sensitive to the drug and the like to monitor it. It could be for any reason though. Especially if you are on any other medication while you are on this.


I am not sure if the people at the end read my post about SAD and how you don't have to worry any more than you would in say the summer about the stamach flu. Keep your food health like veggies and salads. Eat proper meals even if it means 5-6 small meals (which is actually healthier for you than 3 big meals) THe veggies that are bright and colorful or dark green are very good for you. Of course oranges and vitamin C are always great to keep the immune system up and running.
Echinacea won't helps boost the immune system as well but make sure to double check with yout docotor and pharmacist to make sure it does't interact or interfere with something else you are taking.

[skon]

The last time I threw up was in winter. I think it was just a coincidence though. I'm pretty sure it was from bad food.


I don't worry so much anymore about winter because I know how to prevent catching stuff from people. I haven't had a single cold for a very long time because of it. I haven't been truly sick in any way for almost 2 years since I started my regimen. Of course, I still always think I'm sick because of my neurosis, but I haven't had even a slight fever.


I wonder if the norwalk outbreaks in the winter are due to people taking more cruises, you know how people try to beat winter by taking a cruise somewhere, and thats where you get norwalk from a lot of the time. Maybe thats all it is with the winter thing.

[mbs730]

Wow
skon you have a good point there, I didnt even think of that. It very
well could be but I know the origin of the Norwalk virus was from
Norwalk Ohio in the late 70's. So I am not sure how that happened. Yeah
its funny, those times when I have v'ed happened in the late
fall/winter too. Who knows.



Miriam

</span></font>

[rhinoseri]

I was just thinking about this today, Winter is coming soon... which means stomach flu. I'm saving up for a flu shot (my school is having a flu shot fund raiser- a certain amount of money from each shot is going to a fund.) My emet gets a lot worse in the winter also... Edited by: rhinoseri