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Original poster

Norovirus help please

33 replies

SparklyLimeJoker · 22/09/2024 20:43

I'm a full-time unpaid carer to my young adult who has complex needs. I'm a single parent and have no family help at all.

They came down with norovirus last night - projectile vomited everywhere and have severe diarrhoea to the point they're not able to hoist transfer to the toilet in time.

I've come down with it tonight. I'm in so much pain, vomiting and still have to give care to my young adult so have to be up close with them to do everything for them while so unwell myself and they're still being sick.

I have to prepare all food etc (they still want to eat a bit) how can I stop us infecting each other over again? I'm washing my hands about 100 times a day, wearing disposable gloves to handle contaminated clothing, washing contaminated clothing at 60 degrees. I'm not sure what else I can do or if there's anything else I should be doing.

I've placed a shopping delivery for tomorrow for dettol wipes and dettol spray plus other bits. I have rehydration sachets but they're not keen on them - drinking plenty of fluids though so I think that's OK.

Any advice to get through this would be much appreciated!

OP posts:
AlisonWonderbra · 22/09/2024 21:04

You're using perfectly reasonable language in your post, OP.

You sound like an absolute hero. It's going to be a tough couple of days.

I hope you feel better soon.

MyKidsAreTooNoisy · 22/09/2024 21:02

Itsmahoneybaloney · 22/09/2024 20:53

What is an unpaid carer? Are you their parent. Sorry I just find the language in this post so bizarre.

She is painting a picture of their needs / dependency on her, and often people are gender neutral to be less identifiable. Don’t be that person

MyKidsAreTooNoisy · 22/09/2024 21:01

I’m sorry OP, noro is awful. But it’s over very quickly. I remember having it when little one was a toddler and I just had to lie on the bed and hope he could entertain himself without major injury through misadventure. But the next day I could cope again. I hope your child has the cognitive capacity to understand. X

MovingonupScotland · 22/09/2024 20:56

Why be picky about terminology? OP is clearly feeling horrific and the young person they live with/ care for is really unwell as is she.

She has asked for help.

OP is it possible to get hold of some adult nappies for YP? If you are unable to use the hoist in time it may just help with the mess. May not be appropriate of course.

You are doing loads already with dettol, gloves etc. Good luck!

Itsmahoneybaloney · 22/09/2024 20:53

What is an unpaid carer? Are you their parent. Sorry I just find the language in this post so bizarre.

Itsmahoneybaloney · 22/09/2024 20:53

I dont get the 'young adult' and 'they' etc 🤔 confusing. Stop bloody eating for a start and all you can do is just drag yourself through it. Been there before! Poor you get well soon.

MovingonupScotland · 22/09/2024 20:52

First of all - YOU POOR THING! That sounds absolutely horrible. Secondly don't worry about reinfecting each other. You have the same virus and will have immunity for around 3 months once you're better.

As for the rest, can you contact your gp service and see if there is any assistance available? I have no idea what is out there but worth a try.

The only good thing about noro is that it is powerful but usually mercifully short lived. If you can get through the next 24 hours as best you can then things will improve.

I am sorry not to have more ideas. Couldn't not post in support.

TickTockPolly · 22/09/2024 20:50

Hi @SparklyLimeJoker So sorry you’re both so unwell. It’s hard enough on your own without having to care for someone else.

Now you’ve both got it, I would just focus on getting through the next few days and feeling better. Don’t worry about reinfecting each other. Your bodies will have short term antibodies to protect from that. Once you’re both better give the house a good clean just so that any visitors don’t pick it up as it can live on surfaces for a while.

Hope you both feel better soon.

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