Ugh. Stomach bug is everywhere!

beanie101 · January 2012

I nanny for a family with a 2 year old and a 6 mo baby. The 2 y.o. had a bug Sunday so they kept her home and didn't have me come in Mon. Well the baby came down with the same thing on Tuesday. I was working when it happened. I kept my distance and the dad took care of any bodily fluids that happened to limit my exposure (he WFH)..

I felt fine yesterday and today, but now DH has it! I can't escape it. Any ideas for how I can try to limit my exposure in our little 2 room apartment? I feel so bad for him, but I can't really help him feel better.

I really should have gotten the flu shot haha

BellaElla79 · January 2012

If it's the same nasty stomach bug that has been going around here, I got the flu shot this year and Still got it. Obviously I would not drink or eat from the same glass, keep your hands washed. But if you're going to get you're going to get it. Probiotic yogurt helped me a little. It was suggested by the head nurse at my OBs office. Good luck!

MrsH11710 · January 2012

My son has had it twice in the last month. Luckily he is old enough to care for himself (he is 13yo), but I still felt so horrible that I couldn't rub his back or wipe his face. I confine him to his room until it is over then I wash everything he touched. I've been lucky enough not to catch it (yet), so my advice is to stay as far away as possible. Good luck.

Alicia_Jason · January 2012

The Flu shot is for the Flu (cold like symptoms). Though people call it "the stomach flu" it is actually not the "flu" at all, its a gastrointestinal virus. So as nice as it would be, the Flu shot will never prevent the stomach bugs.

I have all around here too...its that time of year! Hand washing and sanitizer are all we can do. Good luck staying healthy.

sunflowergrl · January 2012

Not realated to the flu at all. I also had it (and had a flu shot) It was like death. I got it from DH. I thought it was food poisoning, but nope... I then gave it to my mom. Luckily DD seems to have avoided it **fingers crossed**

shortpoole · January 2012

Yup it has been going around here too MH had it BAD on Saturday night, I was feeling awful myself but he was clearly much worse so I got up and took care of him. Thankfully I haven't had it myself (knock on wood) but almost everyone at my work has since picked it up too.

Definitely has nothing to do with the actual flu though so even if you had the shot, unfortunately you wouldn't be guarded.

Nicolewinsbingo · January 2012

Its going around here too!

I am also a nanny, to a 8 month old and a 4 year old. Baby got it Monday and puked ALL over me. Needless to say, Tuesday I started vomiting. 4 year old and nanny mom got it Tuesday night, but as of yesterday we were all starting to feel okay so I'm back at work today.

I read that you are contagious with a stomach bug starting when you begin feeling sick, and you continue to be contagious for at least 2-3 days after you recover, but can be contagious for up to 2 weeks afterwards, so be careful! Your immune system is supressed, so you are likely to get it. If you do end up getting it, you need to make sure you stay hydrated to avoid any contractions/PTL. I talked to my nurse when I couldn't keep anything down and she said to take 2 tablespoons of water every half hour, no more. If that stays down 3 times in a row, then you can up it by another tablespoon per half hour, and so on. Don't attempt to get food down the first day unless you're starving, then try a Saltine (just 1 at first) and see if it can stay down. Other acceptable liquids besides water are gatorade, apple juice, or bubbly clear pop. After about 24 hours, your system will probably be up to adding a bit more liquid and some very mild foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, or toast.

She said to watch out for any pelvic cramping (below your bellybutton). It was a little confusing to seperate feelings of gastrointestinal cramping from that, but she said pain above the belly button is generally stomach related, so watch out for pain below the belly button or in the pelvis.

Good luck, I hope you don't get it!!

Breezy8407 · January 2012

If only there were a shot to prevent it! I would be first in line...I am pretty sure I would be diagnosed with a phobia of gastroenteritis. PP mentioned about when it's contagious and I have also read that bodily fluids from the infected contain the most viruses. Hand washing constantly and definitely before eating, drinking, touching face/mouth/nose etc can help.

My mom hasn't been able to visit my Grandparents at their assisted living center/nursing home because there has been an outbreak going on for weeks. It's just so contagious.

I have no idea how I'm going to handle it when my own kids get it!

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