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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not go on the off chance we catch a sickness bug

28 replies

Lostmymind11 · 14/08/2025 22:28

Not sure if i'm massively overreacting so would like others opinions

Me, my son and a friend are due to go away for the weekend tomorrow to a caravan site. Said friend has been in contact with someone today who's partner has a sickness bug. This has really got me panicking as i don't do well with sick at all, i also don't want to be stuck in a caravan with everyone being sick 4hrs from home or to potentially have to try and drive back home with everyone ill. I really don't know whether to cancel the whole thing or risk going. I won't be able to change to a later date and i will lose the money paid but i'm currently sat at home panicking about it

OP posts:
Cupcakegirl13 · 14/08/2025 22:32

That’s far too removed a link to be worried about catching it , you’re more likely to pick something up yourself in day to day life .

Sodastreamin · 14/08/2025 22:33

Don’t be ridiculous! Also, when you catch a virus/bug, it sits in your system for 14 days before you get any symptoms whatsoever! It’s called the incubation period. Calm down, you’re just nervous.

Also, why on earth are you travelling 4 hours away just for a weekend???

PollyBell · 14/08/2025 22:40

Panicking? Everyone comes into contact with ill people at times are you not going anywhere just incase?

ShesTheAlbatross · 14/08/2025 22:42

Sodastreamin · 14/08/2025 22:33

Don’t be ridiculous! Also, when you catch a virus/bug, it sits in your system for 14 days before you get any symptoms whatsoever! It’s called the incubation period. Calm down, you’re just nervous.

Also, why on earth are you travelling 4 hours away just for a weekend???

Bugs do not all have an incubation period of 14 days. For a sickness bug it’s more like 1-2 days!

But I agree OP should go. Your friend would be very very unlikely to catch something off someone if they’re fine and their partner is ill. Stomach bugs are generally spread through contact with vomit or poo.

Original poster
Lostmymind11 · 14/08/2025 22:44

@Sodastreamin I have been ill and this is another place to tick off my list of places to visit and make memories with my son

OP posts:
Original poster
Lostmymind11 · 14/08/2025 22:47

@PollyBell Its just sickness i try to avoid like the plague i have a major fear of it. If i didn't know it wouldn't be an issue but the fact she has now told me about it i can't stop thinking about it

OP posts:
landlordhell · 14/08/2025 22:50

Sodastreamin · 14/08/2025 22:33

Don’t be ridiculous! Also, when you catch a virus/bug, it sits in your system for 14 days before you get any symptoms whatsoever! It’s called the incubation period. Calm down, you’re just nervous.

Also, why on earth are you travelling 4 hours away just for a weekend???

Not true. Norovirus can strike within hours!

landlordhell · 14/08/2025 22:50

Also 4 hrs travel for a weekend is totally normal!

JMSA · 14/08/2025 23:54

It would be absolute lunacy to cancel.

Mugon · 14/08/2025 23:55

You'll be holidaying with someone who's friend's partner, who she hasn't had contact with, is sick?

Of course you should still go.

SummerEve · 15/08/2025 00:27

Sodastreamin · 14/08/2025 22:33

Don’t be ridiculous! Also, when you catch a virus/bug, it sits in your system for 14 days before you get any symptoms whatsoever! It’s called the incubation period. Calm down, you’re just nervous.

Also, why on earth are you travelling 4 hours away just for a weekend???

That’s not true

GiveItAGoMalcom · 15/08/2025 00:31

Sodastreamin · 14/08/2025 22:33

Don’t be ridiculous! Also, when you catch a virus/bug, it sits in your system for 14 days before you get any symptoms whatsoever! It’s called the incubation period. Calm down, you’re just nervous.

Also, why on earth are you travelling 4 hours away just for a weekend???

Also, why on earth are you travelling 4 hours away just for a weekend???

What an absolutely weird question 😳

It's only 4 hours, not 4 days.

Perfectly normal for a weekend break.

GiveItAGoMalcom · 15/08/2025 00:32

SummerEve · 15/08/2025 00:27

That’s not true

Show quote history

Of course it's not true.

It's actually 12 to 48 hours for a stomach bug.

Pericombobulations · 15/08/2025 00:34

As a fellow emetophobic I completely understand your concerns, and at the height of my phobia would consider cancelling too. Its your call, my sensible head says you will be fine and enjoy it though.

FinallyHere · 15/08/2025 07:13

you might keep catching yourself thinking about it but you can actively chose to think about something else. Build a picture in your mind of yourself and your D.C. enjoying yourselves having a lovely time.

Evaka · 15/08/2025 07:18

Can you take some calming supplements such as valerian root and crack on? You mentioned you've been unwell, a break will be lovely for you and your son.

And ask GP for some support with that anxiety when you're ready x

RaspberryRipple2 · 15/08/2025 07:30

No this wouldn’t concern me at all, you can only catch a sickness bug from someone who has one, it’s shared toilets that spread them like wildfire, not chance contact with people who don’t have the bug. The incubation period is 10-48 hours.

Moonnstars · 15/08/2025 07:33

Without wanting to worry you, you are more likely to pick something up when you are away at the caravan park. Lots of people usually crowded into small venues (entertainment, swimming pools) and not everyone has the best hygiene (no washing hands after the toilet).

BellissimoGecko · 15/08/2025 07:43

Sodastreamin · 14/08/2025 22:33

Don’t be ridiculous! Also, when you catch a virus/bug, it sits in your system for 14 days before you get any symptoms whatsoever! It’s called the incubation period. Calm down, you’re just nervous.

Also, why on earth are you travelling 4 hours away just for a weekend???

That’s not true. Sick bugs can be 1-2 days.

boulevardofbrokendreamss · 15/08/2025 07:57

I don’t know about incubation periods but what’s wrong with four hora for a weekend?!

Candlesburn · 15/08/2025 07:57

I am sorry that this is making you feel anxious . I would totally go on the trip in your shoes , there is very minimal or no risk to you .
Things that you could do - to help ;

  1. probably too late to see your GP , but could you get yourself to the nearest pharmacy and see if they could give you anything for anxiety . Bach rescue remedy is the only thing I can think of .You could also pick up some Diocalm , if the pharmacist thinks that that would be recommended .
  2. Take with you , anti bacterial spray / wipes , hand gel if this would help .
  3. As you are the only driver , would it be helpful to have a plan B i.e in the extremely unlikely event that you do get ill ? This could be that someone else could come via public transport close to the campsite , if this is practicable and then drive you home ?
  4. when you have more time , arrange an appointment with your GP to speak about your anxiety . I really do hope that you all get away and have a brilliant time . I find myself that a break / change of routine is great for my mental health .
Original poster
Lostmymind11 · 15/08/2025 08:23

Thanks everyone. We are going on the trip as my son is really excited and i'm not sure i could cancel it and see him upset. I will make an appointment with the gp when i get back to talk about it

OP posts:
Sodastreamin · 15/08/2025 23:00

ShesTheAlbatross · 14/08/2025 22:42

Bugs do not all have an incubation period of 14 days. For a sickness bug it’s more like 1-2 days!

But I agree OP should go. Your friend would be very very unlikely to catch something off someone if they’re fine and their partner is ill. Stomach bugs are generally spread through contact with vomit or poo.

Show quote history

Well that’s not what my GP told me! 🤷🏼‍♀️

DelilahMy · 15/08/2025 23:02

I literally wouldn’t give this a second thought. Anyone could catch a bug anywhere, anyway!

bumbaloo · 15/08/2025 23:04

Sodastreamin · 14/08/2025 22:33

Don’t be ridiculous! Also, when you catch a virus/bug, it sits in your system for 14 days before you get any symptoms whatsoever! It’s called the incubation period. Calm down, you’re just nervous.

Also, why on earth are you travelling 4 hours away just for a weekend???

What a completely random and incorrect piece of information. Viruses incubate for varying lengths of time from a few hours to several weeks.