Extremely worried and anxious about catching the flu...

[LauraDelango]

So, my sister is 21 and lives at home. She isn't home a lot, because she spends almost all of her time with her boyfriend. Her boyfriend had a cold about a week ago, but was starting to go away. Then my sister got the cold and has been sick since last Tuesday. Just yesterday her boyfriend started feeling even worse, so he went to the doctor and was diagnosed with having the flu. My sister did not see him at all yesterday because he told her not to because he didn't want to get her sick. However, they just saw each other the entire day before, so she was definitely exposed. She was home all night last night, and my anxiety was through the roof; I have been washing my hands like crazy, wiping down our bathroom (which we share) with Lysol wipes, and avoiding touching my mouth/eyes/nose as much as I possibly can. He is still sick, but she decided to go hang out with him all day today (and probably tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day...) to take care of him and be there for him. Now, she bought some masks that she is supposedly going to wear when she is hanging out with him, but I don't really trust her to be the most careful, and the chances of her catching it are extremely high.

The rational part of my mind tells me that hey, if I get sick, no big deal, I'll get over it. Unfortunately, that part of my mind isn't really working. I'm doing everything I can to prevent this, but I am seriously freaking out. My mind is panicking, I worry about breathing the same air as her because I know it's airborne, and I have no idea what to do. I do see a therapist about my anxiety, but I won't be able to go to my appointment until Thursday, and I don't even know how much that would help.

Does anyone have any advice or tips or techniques? I have tried relaxation techniques, distracting myself, etc., but I just keep going right back to freaking out.

I would love any advice or tips. I am so scared that she is going to get sick, because if she gets sick then I know my chances are extremely high and I will probably more than likely going to get sick because no matter how I clean and disinfect, we share a bathroom and all that. She also gets really mad at me if I tell her to be careful or not touch things or anything like that, so I can't really say anything.

I just wish I could act like a normal person who doesn't dwell on stuff like this, it's ridiculous and I constantly feel anxious and scare and I hate it.

Also, I'm scared if I get sick because my classes start in a week or so and if I miss the first day of class I'll be dropped!

Oh, and flu shots take a week to go into effect, so it won't help the current situation

Help! And thanks.

[Hidden]

Hi Laura.

I can understand you not wanting to contract the flu it is a rotten thing. I don't have any tips on how not to get it, but like you say it may happen and it may not. I hope you feel better soon.

take care Kenny xx

[Photogeek]

Hi Laura.

I really think you are worrying too much,it was a bit inconsiderate of your

Sister to visit someone who has Flu, talk about looking for trouble.There

Is nothing you can do except keep your own immunity strong by eating a

Healthy diet with lots of Vit C.

Also by stressing out you will decrease your immunity and will be more likely

To catch it. So try and relax and avoid your sister.

The Flu to a young person like yourself is a nuisance and uncomfortable.,but

Not dangerous. Have your Parectamol at the ready in case.

In the meantime try and get over this fear by working on your anxiety.

Hugs

Hannahx

[Hidden]

Hi Laura x I think when it comes to the flu, its something you maybe catch no matter what x But you are doing the right thing to reduce the chances. Good hand washing after contact washing down the bathroom, not sharing towels as in face washing ones. But unless you live in a virtual bubble its something we cannot avoid x Have you had your flu jab? You can still get the flu with the jab but its less severe x Sounds as if your sister is keeping out the way a lot so you may be lucky xx Donver x

[Kimmieblue]

Hello Laura

What will you do if you get this flu bug?

You know deep down that if you get it, it won't really hurt you.

Try to think positive and tell yourself that it doesn't matter.

Try to think alternatively to not catching it but that if you do catch it then you will face it then, and not before.

The worry of it won't determine if you get it or not, tell yourself that over and over, keep saying if it happens

It happens. All the worrying in the world won't change it.

You will feel better and stronger and you probably won't catch it after all.

Be strong you can do it.

All the best Laura. X

[LadySaabra]

Hello

I know how you feel, I'm the same with vomit bugs.

Had to deal with it last October as a rotavirus made it's way very slowly through 3 children. Through that experience I know that no matter what you do sometimes there is no stopping it. I know a lot of people would say that what your doing wont stop it so why bother, but I find personally that being on high alert and trying to prevent is actually its own little therapy (even if they say it does make it - anxiety - worse, but if your not ready then you are not ready - no one can force you) fingers crossed for you

Sam xx