Tummy Bugs

[cupboard]

I suffer with Emetophobia (fear of vomiting). Does anyone out there know when a tummy bug is contagious. Is it before the symptoms appear or during the illness?

[baremission]

hi sorry i cant actually help much with your question, but i assumed that it wasnt at all contagious.

Im replying mainly because i have Emetophobia too...its started to rule my life in certain ways...have you got any methods of controlling it?
ive trying hypnotherapy but it didnt help.

[Beads]

I think (and don't quote me) that if someone has a germ then it will be in their system before it comes out (Depending on the germ) and you may be able to pick it up prior to.

Take a look at the link and if you're really concerned NHS direct's telelphone number is on there too.

http://www.ich.ucl.ac.uk/factsheets/families/F 050064/index.html
Beads

[whiffey]

Here's a bit of good news for you. It seems that if emetophobia is powerful enough, it can actually prevent you from being sick, i.e. if you were to pick up a bug, the extent of your fear is sufficient for your brain to prevent you from vomiting. Where others would throw up, you'll just get belly ache.

[cupboard]

I have suffered with Emetophobia for years and have gone down loads of avenues. I have recently tried "Thought Field Therapy", which I find has helped a little.

My GP prescribed me Propranolol which is a beta blocker and they are brilliant. They are not habit forming and take effect immediately with getting rid of that horrible anixety feeling. Please keep in touch for support if you wish.

[baremission]

oh thanks for the advice, if mine gets any worse i might have to talk to my GP about it.
i actually agree with you whiffey and i think in the past this has probably happened to me. ie ive felt ill but not let myself be sick but i guess your brain can't always overide involuntary things like that.

so with the propranponol do u simply take it when u feel sick to calm u down or is it something u take daily to keep your aniety levels down?

Unfortunately i've never been able to swallow pills which apparently is common for emetophobes. so i can't reallytake anything for it at the moment.

[Wix]

I think the answer to your question depends on the type of virus. Most viruses are picked up by breating them ijn or by touch. By some special hand wash too protect you from picking up germs by touch, and just try and avoid any areas were you might breath in a bug. Thats my only advice.

[cupboard]

Propranolol is basically just to slow the heart beat down and reduce anxiety.

[alijangra]

Cupboard, most medications should be available as a suspension, dispersible or crushable so advise your GP that you cannot swallow pills and they can prescribe it in a form that you can take.

[alijangra]

Oops sorry that should have been to Baremission!