Can’t take this!

[raindrop]

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I heard on the news this morning that a place in Somerset (UK)
has a school where 150+ kids have come down with the norovirus, and
there's a public health enquiry. I'm going to stay with my
partner this weekend, and she lives quite near to this place. I was
really scared (mostly because this had made the national news!) but
managed to brush it off.



But, I was just watching this stupid show called "Space Cadets" and one
of the guys taking part in the show woke up in the night with a sv and
was v* and they were showing it and everything. This show is a
reality show, and the footage was recent.



I just feel so shaken up now. It feels like the sv is everywhere!
Rushing through the country, and it's only a matter of time before I
get it. Tomorrow I have a really long day at work, and I work in
a shop, so I have constant contact with customers. I'm frightened
I'll get infected at work. Then I'm on the train for two hours
(to see my partner). Isn't public transport notoriously bad for
catching stuff?!!



I literally can't stop worrying, all these thoughts about how it's
unavoidable, and that I'll get sick at my partners (I freak out about
v* places other than home).



Please, I'm just looking for some reassurance. Someone to snap
some sense into me. I can't have this level of anxiety tomorrow,
I'll collapse.. [img]smileys/smilies_06.gif[/img][img]smileys/smilies_06.gif[/img]

[crimgoddess]

Rain-


Just because there was an outbreak in a school, does not mean that it will spread and affect the entire populous of the region. Schools are tricky- because not only are youngkids not the most hygienic creatures (not all wash their hands properly, have their hands in their mouth and then touch other things, etc.), but they are all in a close proximity. That, and kids have a weaker immune system- so they have a hard time fighting off what an adult can. Is your partner in close proximity with these children? Does she work in the school itself? If not, then I wouldn't worry all that much- and if, by chance- she does, it does not mean that automatically you or she will get sick.


Also, just because, judging by the news, EVERYONE in the known world is getting sick (I HATE the media with a passion- HATE it)- it does not necessarily mean you will. Not everyone is conscientious about hand washing- which is a major preventive measure. Tomorrow just concentrate on your work, and make sure you wash your hands before you eat something or touch your face. LOL- just think what would happen if everyone in the country DID come down with the stomach virus- your city would be at a complete standstill!


As for public transport- I'll fill you in on my little secret. I also am worried when I have to take the bus to visit my parents (7 hours) or the train to visit other family members. So, what I do is always arrive an hour beforehand, so I can be one of the first ones in line and pick where I sit. That, and I always put some of my stuff on the seat next to me, so if the train/bus isn't full, the odds of someone sitting next to me is cut down. I also always make sure I have my 'security kit'- hand sanitizer, a bottle of water or ginger ale, gum, kleenex, and some sort of snack (usually crackers and licorice- they are good for settling the stomach). And of course some good tunes so I can block out whatever else may be happening.


Good luck


*amber*

[liriodendron]

That's good advice, Amber!



And yes, kids stick everything in their mouths. Outbreaks are most
likely to occur in places like day care centers, elementary schools,
nursing homes and hosptals. The latter two I suspect due to cross
contamination from nurses handling bed pans and serving meds &amp; food
etc.



I know that it's still nerve wracking to go near those kinds of
institutions this time of year because you know what's going on inside
but the fact is unless the whole area is drinking from contaminated
water (which has caused outbreaks of entire towns), then you should be
safe.



I remember when a school was on the news in 2001 for having an outbreak
and it was very near where I worked. It gave me the creeps just knowing
that it was nearby but that's just in my silly head.

[raindro&#112;]

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Thanks both of you. [img]smileys/smilies_01.gif[/img] I'm feeling a
little more confident this morning. No, my partner doesn't work
at/near any of those establishments, and her niece and nephew (who will
be over at hers, no doubt) don't go to that school. I guess I
should have thought about it a bit more before I freaked... [img]smileys/smilies_09.gif[/img]



Sometimes I get something in my head and then get carried away.
Just about to leave for work - feeling a bit nervous, but so far so
good. Thanks again.

[redapple]

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should have thought about it a bit more before I freaked... [img]smileys/smilies_09.gif[/img]

don't be embarrassed. we do this sort of thing all the time--
it's because we have a "phobia" NOT a "fear". you know the rules
(wash hands, don't touch your face), now have a great trip!!!



[img]smileys/smilies_01.gif[/img]

[trixie]

I would also like to add that when i saw the reports on teletext about this school in somerset, it was suggested that many of the pupils wereabsent due to parents keeping them off due to worry about them getting the bug, and i wonder how many of these took advantage of the situation and took a skive day??