Anonymous wrote:OP, I understand. I am also terrified of the stomach bug - I kmow it is irrational, but I get where you're coming from.

Me too. I'm terrified of throwing up in general. Good hand hygiene and bleach are really the only things that can take care of it. I hate knowing that at some point again I will throw up. I try to accept it, but it's really hard. A lot of my anxiety problems stem from it too.

I have a throw up phobia. I get nuts around this time of year. I avoid public toilets, wash my hands like crazy, and the worst part is, I find it difficult to help my children when they are sick.

I have figured out that there are "barfers" like my older daughter, and "non-barfers" like me. I don't know if its will power, or what, but I haven't thrown up in over 20 years. I always carry pepto, gingerale and xanax, which gives me a sense of security because I have panic attacks if my stomach hurts.

If you can't get a prescription for xanax, try putting some valerian drops in a bit of water to help you calm down. Valerian stinks, but it really works.

Hope this helps.

Anonymous wrote: We had one hit on an overseas flight.

Ok, this is one of my phobias, and I would love to know how it was handled? Was it you or your kids? I just can'y imagine what the logistics would be and I think that is what scares me so much!

I completely agree with the PPs who suggested CBT and the PP who noted that what you are seeking is some kind of reassurance from this board that somehow your fear is not going to come true.

I have mild OCD and would do the same thing: ask my husband before bed if the oven was turned off just because I wanted someone else to be responsible for it if it weren't turned off. I would not have thought I had OCD and never got help for it until I got PPD and ended up talking with a psychiatrist who noticed the hidden OCD.

I think you should investigate what's going on and how widespread the anxiety is. Meds CAN help if you need them because they can help with anxiety. Phobias that prevent you from living your life and coping with everyday life are a sign of anxiety. CBT is also helpful and can do as good a job or better, but it depends on the situation.

there is no such thing as the stomach FLU. Flu = influenza. Please google to know the difference. Why are you so paranoid and who is in charge? He refuses to wash his hands?

Anonymous wrote:I think I Might understand. Are you afraid of throwing up? I am petrified. Have not done do since I was 4 . I have a two and a half year old. I pray she does not catch that because I hate vomit And an petriFied of vomiting myself. Everyone says your mommy instincts will kick in but it still gives me anxiety. To the point of me worrying about it all the Time. Your not alone. Keep reaching out.

You need to treat this anxiety. Short term CBT can make all the difference. Why live with this kind of suffering?

Last year my husband and two kids all had a stomach bug. I was literally catching vomit in my hands and never caught it (knock on wood). So it's not inevitable that you'd get sick if your little one does. I know it's not fun when your kid gets sick, and you have a true phobia, but luckily stomach bugs are usually short lived. Isn't it called emitaphobia or something like that? My friend said she saw message boards where people talk about it, so you may want to try there?

I think I Might understand. Are you afraid of throwing up? I am petrified. Have not done do since I was 4 . I have a two and a half year old. I pray she does not catch that because I hate vomit And an petriFied of vomiting myself. Everyone says your mommy instincts will kick in but it still gives me anxiety. To the point of me worrying about it all the Time. Your not alone. Keep reaching out.

After having some family-wide stomach viruses hit, I can understand why the thought of it scares you. We had one while travelling in a foreign country. We had one hit on an overseas flight. Yep, bad. I wouldn't say I have a phobia, but I definitely have an elevated fear of it. The thing you have to keep in mind though is, while it may be miserable in the short run, it will pass. And if worse comes to worse, you can always go to the ER or an emergency care center for an IV and some anti-emetics. I've dealt with some phobias and anxiety issues. Don't let anyone convince you that you NEED therapy to deal with them. Only you can be the judge of that. I know my limits and have seen a therapist when I felt things were really interfering with my life. Other times, irrational fears, anxiety, etc. are what makes us human.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Help with flu prevention or help with your anxiety? Did he get the shot?

Stomach flu is not actually the influenza virus, therefore the actual flu shot will not prevent it. I'm a little surprised that not everyone knows this...

Yep.

Stomach flu is actually gastroenteritis. It's an infection of the intestinal tract and is caused by bacteria or viruses. Flu is influenza, it's viral, and it's a respiratory infection. If you are vomiting or have diarrhea, it's probably stomach flu.

Anonymous wrote:Help with flu prevention or help with your anxiety? Did he get the shot?

Stomach flu is not actually the influenza virus, therefore the actual flu shot will not prevent it. I'm a little surprised that not everyone knows this...

Unless he is sick, you probably will not get it. If he does get it, cover your mouth and nose when cleaning or caring for him. I suffered the same phobia when I was younger. Since having my children, I have forced myself to get over it by just facing it. The truth is, throwing up is not as terrifying as it was when I was a child. It's a fact of life that sometimes you will get sick. Just try not to impose your fears on your son. You wouldn't want him to feel the way you do, right?

I hate the thought of stomach bugs as well….my kids have always had to wash their hands when they come in from school (I'm a teacher so I know the value of hand washing!). Honestly with a 6 year old - he should be able to hit the toilet or a bowl and not puke all over everything. It's the actual vomit that transmits the virus, so if you can stay clear of that you are probably ok. Also, clean with a clorox based cleaner - things commonly touched, like doorknobs, bathroom stuff, etc. Both of my sons have had stomach bugs but neither my husband or I got them….I think after awhile you just build up an immunity.

OP, I understand. I am also terrified of the stomach bug - I kmow it is irrational, but I get where you're coming from.

+1. The flu shot will not prevent the stomach flu.