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Original poster

To be living in fear of illness this time of year?

35 replies

Babyonion · 16/12/2024 15:31

I keep reading updates on Facebook groups, WhatsApp groups I’m in and so on. Plus the media in general talking about how bad this time of year is for bugs and viruses.
My DH, MIL and FIL are all ill with a cough and nasty cold at the moment that has knocked them for 6 for days/weeks. So far I’ve been fortunate enough not to catch it.
I also keep reading about norovirus and flu that are particularly rife.
I had norovirus a couple of years ago (twice if I recall!) and I was really unwell with it. I felt absolutely shocking.
I have a bit of a phobia of vomiting as it is, so that’s just compounding the anxiety I feel.
I am also dressing illness over Christmas as we have so much planned and are travelling down to see my family too.
I’ll be gutted if everything is ruined.
I’m washing my hands as much a possible but can’t avoid crowded places because of where I work and of course DS (who is 6) being at school and not exactly hygienic.

OP posts:
Gerrysmum · 16/12/2024 17:06

Im the same, trying to avoid crowds and washing my hands. I had COVID over Christmas a couple of years ago. It was the first Christmas in our new home and MIL had flown over from Europe to spend it with us. I was throughly miserable and felt like I missed out on the build up and enjoying Christmas. At the time I felt awful and was really angry at whoever had given me the illness. I never want another Christmas like it again and will do what I can to stay healthy.

DappledThings · 16/12/2024 16:55

I don't really think about it. 10 kids off sick today in DS's class. He says he feels a bit off. Christmas won't be ruined. We might have to do some bits later on in the Christmas season if he's really ill. Worrying about it won't stop it happening.

Berlinlover · 16/12/2024 16:53

Were you like this before Covid?

mitogoshigg · 16/12/2024 16:36

These things happen and we just have to accept it. Don't let the fear of the possible ruin having a good time now! Do have a comprehensive first aid kit in just in case as shops are shut

Suzuki76 · 16/12/2024 16:10

Cheersmedears123 · 16/12/2024 16:07

I’m the same at the moment because I was so unwell over Christmas last year. I couldn’t eat or drink and was off my face on painkillers for a few weeks. It didn’t feel like Christmas Day happened! I’m just trying to avoid anyone who is clearly ill or says they’re unwell, and washing my hands well. I’m not letting myself worry about it too much though.

Same. Last Christmas DH had the worst tonsillitis I've ever seen so Christmas Dinner was me and DS eating pasta with Dolmio. Boxing Day I fainted while out shopping - COVID. All 3 of us had it. We all got better on Jan 2nd.

DS has now got tonsillitis but I'm hoping it will have been and gone by the weekend!

Cheersmedears123 · 16/12/2024 16:07

I’m the same at the moment because I was so unwell over Christmas last year. I couldn’t eat or drink and was off my face on painkillers for a few weeks. It didn’t feel like Christmas Day happened! I’m just trying to avoid anyone who is clearly ill or says they’re unwell, and washing my hands well. I’m not letting myself worry about it too much though.

Simbaonedaythiswillallbeyours · 16/12/2024 16:06

I'm not scared, almost resigned to the fact I am going to get ill at some point. Every other person at my workplace has been sick in the last six weeks except me and one other. All my Christmas prep is done and its just hoping that we don't get ill.

My two teens and I have so far avoided every sickness bug, cold, cough, covid and flu-like shenanigans this whole year. I get a private flu jab in September usually as I don't have anyone else to take care of them if I'm ill and I cannot afford to be off work (single parent). It feels like sheer luck though.

We have sick bowls hidden in our rooms as our bathroom is downstairs lesson learned from having noro last year and we do our best to wash hands. The house is a normal level of clean and we aren't avoiding anything. Down that road, madness lies.

Original poster
Babyonion · 16/12/2024 16:05

@Toomanysquishmallows
I’m the same - petrified of getting ill for Christmas

OP posts:
Toomanysquishmallows · 16/12/2024 15:56

I’m the same , I’m petrified about getting sick over Christmas, it ruins the build up for me .

Agix · 16/12/2024 15:49

It's as rife as it is every year. Just don't lick a sick person, and you'll be doing the best you can do.

Im also emetophobic, BTW. Would also be living in fear if I let myself, but I'm honestly so bloody tired of being anxious 24/7 every winter.. i think my brain has just checked out of it this winter. I'm not gonna be attending any parties or such though.. and am also washing my hands constantly.