Healthy Family
Inside: Think you can’t avoid a stomach virus after being exposed? Think again! I did it–and I think you can, too!
Springtime in North Carolina is always full of surprises:
- One day it’s 75 degrees F, and the next day it’s sleeting. You may leave your home in the morning wearing a coat and scarf and are donning a pair of flip flops by the afternoon.
- One day you’re smelling the flowers, and the next day you’re sneezing from pollen coating your windshield.
- It’s also the season when you fool yourself into thinking that you’ve made it all winter without getting sick. You’ve avoided the flu, colds, COVID, and the horrible, no-good stomach virus. Or so you thought.
Irony would have it that less than two weeks after posting about how our family prevents wintertime illnesses, would you believe the stomach bug hit our house?
(Note: I originally wrote this post in 2014, but I updated it in 2021, and I will continue to update it regularly as I find new things that work to help avoid the stomach virus. This method has now worked for us–for the most part–for years!)
It hit the girls first–one-by-one they began throwing up.
Then, in the middle of the night, it overtook my poor husband.
All night long, I listened to the bug biting my family. I cleaned up their messes and soothed them as best I could, and I prayed I wouldn’t get sick as well. (This mattress cleaning solution I made for getting pee out of a mattress also works on vomit.)
But I knew it was coming. I just knew it! How could I avoid such a highly-contagious illness when every single person in my home was affected by it?
But I did! Oh, I did!
And not only that–but I used natural means to avoid a stomach virus!
My plan of attack was simple: I did not want to get sick! With sheer determination, I scoured my natural medicine arsenal.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Building a Natural Medicine Cabinet
Here is what I came up with that helped me avoid a stomach virus after being exposed:
1. A Strong Immune System
I’m a big believer in building up your immune system all winter (or all year!) long, in order to keep sicknesses at bay in the first place!
A few days before the stomach virus hit our house, I had felt the very first signs of a cold (my first in two years!). My first symptom of a cold is usually a scratchy throat. Wanting to stave off the cold before it really started, I began loading up on elderberry, vitamin C, echinacea and garlic.
Without knowing it, I was strengthening my immune system to fight off another bug!
2. Activated Charcoal
Thankfully, having heard that activated charcoal can work wonders for tummy ailments, I already had this stashed away in our natural medicine cabinet. But because our family hadn’t been ill for two years, I had never really used it!
Hands down, if you do not heed anything else in this post, please, please, please stock your natural medicine cabinet with activated charcoal!
Related: Why We Love Plant Therapy (an Honest Review)
In a nutshell, activated charcoal adsorbs most toxins in your body before they can harm you (source). Some emergency rooms even give activated charcoal to patients with food poisoning!
I was a bit skeptical to take it at first because I assumed this was a stomach virus, and I had heard that activated charcoal only works with stomach problems caused by bacteria.
But then I found this post by my friend Kimberly at The Nourishing Gourmet. (And yes, I actually found it in a Google search in the middle of the night!) In the post, Kimberly recounts how her family beat the stomach virus with the use of activated charcoal as well!
I took Kimberly’s advice, and I am so glad I did. I truly feel that the activated charcoal took care of the virus that was most likely already inside of my body.
I took two capsules with water every few hours. Read Kimberly’s post for more details on dosing.
Keep in mind that the activated charcoal may also adsorb all the good nutrients in your body as well, so do not take it at the same time as your other supplements.
I continued to take 1-2 capsules of activated charcoal for a few days after the stomach virus left our house.
Note: If you child is actively throwing up, it may not be a good idea to give them charcoal unless there is a bucket near by. One of our kids threw up charcoal all over the carpet. Talk about a mess to clean up.
3. Digestion Essential Oil Blend
Essential oils are a big part of my family’s natural medicine cabinet. Many bloggers love them so much that they decide to sell them. I love them so much that I will sing their praises without selling them. Ha!
Previously, I had used peppermint essential oil for any kind of tummy ache. A digestion blend is the next step up.
- Plant Therapy is a favorite of ours, and they have a Tummy Aid and a KidSafe Tummy All Better and Gut Aid.
- Rocky Mountain Oils has a Tummy Rub blend.
I rubbed a couple drops of the oil blend, diluted with a carrier oil, on my stomach every few hours while my household had the stomach virus.
Related: 10 Natural Ways to Prevent Colds & the Flu (that Actually Work)
4. Immune-Boosting Essential Oil Blend
When my family became ill, I did not hesitate to begin rubbing a diluted immune-boosting oil blend on my feet and the feet of my family members. I also added it to a diffuser where my husband, who was the most ill, was sleeping.
- Plant Therapy has their Immune Aid and KidSafe Immune Boom.
- Rocky Mountain Oils has Immune Strength
In addition to this oil blend, I also used a little bit of oregano oil on my feet.
5. Ginger Chamomile Tea
This happened to be the only ginger tea I had on hand (and I was completely out of ginger, so I couldn’t make my own!). I drank it the morning after the long night of my family’s illness, and it definitely had a nice calming effect!
Related: Natural Cold Remedies–Alternatives to Conventional Cold Medications
6. A Strong Probiotic
I typically give my girls the Garden of Life Raw probiotic. However, I had recently purchased a super probiotic supplement from my girls’ integrative pediatrician–HMF Neuro Powder. I will say this stuff is PRICEY. I had it on hand for such a time as this.
When a stomach virus hits, I believe it’s the time to pull out the best of the best probiotics.
In addition to taking the probiotic powder, I also ate some coconut milk yogurt, which we also happened to have on hand that day.
7. Redmond Clay
Redmond Clay (on Amazon) is helpful for an assortment of ailments, including stomach issues.
I did not take much of this, as I felt really confident in the activated charcoal, but I did take a little bit.
It is supposed to adsorb the toxins and flush them out of your system as well. I just didn’t feel like I needed both the activated charcoal and the clay at the same time.
8. Air Purifier
Interestingly enough? The air purifier we use turns red when there are contaminants in the air. It turned the reddest when I put my natural cleaners aside and pulled out the Lysol! Now if that doesn’t tell you something about the toxins in conventional cleaners…
9. Grape Juice
This was a new one to me after I wrote the original post. Someone at church told us about it, and it’s been our go-to ever since. Supposedly, grape juice coats the stomach and helps you avoid the stomach virus!
This is one of the easiest to get on the spur of the moment (although we make sure to always keep the other supplies on hand!). I dissolve activated charcoal in grape juice for my kids. This has helped us so much!
Note: If you child is actively throwing up, I would not recommend giving them grape juice or activated charcoal. Dark purple or black spots do not look good on carpet (ask me how I know.)
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar has many benefits for gut healthy. It can either be drank in liquid form or taken as a complex like our favorite one we use from PaleoValley.
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This cheat sheet gives you an inventory list to start building your own natural medicine cabinet.
- Download the free cheat sheet. Join my weekly-ish newsletter and as a bonus, you’ll get the printable! Just click here to download and subscribe.
- Print. Any paper will do the trick, but cardstock would be ideal.
- Hang your cheat sheet somewhere handy like inside your medicine cabinet.
Here’s a sneak peek of your printable cheat sheet:
What are your tips for how to avoid a stomach virus after being exposed?
Disclaimer: Although I am passionate about nutrition, natural living and alternative health issues, I am not a certified nutritionist, medical doctor, or practitioner of any kind. I am not licensed to counsel anyone in medical matters nor may I be held responsible for any course of action that you choose in regards to your own health or that of your family. Please remember that what I are sharing is the result of my own experiences, but may not necessarily be the right course of action for you. I am an advocate of becoming informed, knowledgeable and responsible for one’s own health, but my desire is not to be an authority on any matters of health for you, nor would I presume to have sufficient knowledge to do so. My hope is that what I share may encourage you and start you on the road to doing your own research, and seeking out the opinions of professionals or others that you trust.
Rebecca
Sipping 2 Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar in water will also keep you from getting the stomach virus and also help after you get it.
jessica
I’ve been able to avoid it about 50% of the time it was in my household by taking cider vinegar every day for a few days, cleaning the home (door knobs, remotes) and lots of hand washing. IMO this article offers too many possible solutions- we don’t know which one(s) actually helped, so unless you are prepared to follow every step (and spend a small fortune on supplies)… vinegar is another possible route.
Erin
I love the idea of vinegar! Sorry this post wasn’t helpful to you. :/ I didn’t intend for it to be overwhelming but for it to give a number of options for people to try. This was my personal experience, and I do hope it’s helpful for some.
Leila
Thanks a bunch! This was extremely helpful! I am doing garlic, applecider vinager, and digestzen. I wish I hadnt just ran out of activated charcoal. I may just go by and pick up another bottle. I have big plans this weekend and I am DETERMINED TO AVOID THIS! My two boys and husband have all gotten it. Thank you again!
Erin
I hope it worked for you!!
Brandi Cline
I loved your article! I keep kids and in past years have had the stomach bug every single time they got it (my immune system isn’t the greatest.) But last year i followed your tips of grape juice and activated charcoal, along with my normal increase of vitamin c when I’ve been exposed to something, and I avoiding getting sick even though I had kids throwing up in my house three times. That is crazy exciting for me! I liked the wide range of choices. I just chose the ones that were most doable for me
Anita Whitacre
I found all of your suggestions very helpful! And I am glad you gave us the choices you did. I thought it was well written and very beneficial. Thank you!
liz
Just FYI, activated charcoal will pull any vitamins you’re taking out of your body.
So if you’re taking vitamin c and essential oils along with it, they will have next to no effect.
Also, not everyone in the family is guaranteed to come down with gastro.
It’s usually in the realm. if 50-60 percent at any given time (kids are usually more susceptible).
Erin
Yes–always good to not take within the same time frame and space it out a few hours. 🙂
Shane
When the house is under water and the cart is in the ditch I will take the healthfood store and build from all angles at all costs because illness costs time, money, moods, and weeks to actually get back on your feet! Thanks Erin!
Amy
These are all wonderful suggestions, thank you! I do want to add just in case anyone is reading this that activated charcoal is supposed to be a great thing to take. Beware that I was told by a pharmacist that it removes toxins but it also may remove any and all medications that your children or your self might be on. We had a very scary scenario with our 13-year-old son after giving him activated charcoal to ward off the stomach flu. It threw his medicine upside down so quick that he had a very, I will just say dark spell. We almost ended up in emergency room. Since then, I have been told by doctors and nurses both that medications, in this case it was an ADD medicine, should not be mixed with activated charcoal unless you speak to the doctor first. Just wanted to add that, but believe me, your post was very informational and helpful. We were recently exposed and I will definitely be drinking apple cider vinegar and taking my probiotics and elderberry !!
Kristina (The Greening Of Westford)
I have heard about most of these tips before, but they are scattered in different sources. Really nice to have one list! I’ll be pinning this for later.
I mixed up an infused honey (ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and lemon) and have been drinking it in hot water all winter. I started out drinking it because it’s good for you, but I kept drinking it because I liked the taste and it was a great way to warm me up in the afternoon without caffeine. Haven’t been sick all winter. But then again, only my husband came down with something this winter, so can’t really say.
Do you think these would work once you have a stomach virus to lessen the effects or quicker the recovery?
Jane
Kristina, that sounds wonderful! Would you mind sharing your recipe and how-to make it? I think I’ll start drinking it now, especially since the stomach bug hit our house yesterday. It will be great to drink year round too. TIA
Erin
That does sound wonderful!
Yanna
Oh please do share the recipe to the infused honey, my 4 year old goes to school & every week we have been hit with something since September it’s been ongoing. At the moment suffering from the stomach flu. Would love to try your recipe.
Shane
I have a miracle drink that helps to also fight inflammation and other illnesses.
3 teaspoons Braggs raw apple cider vinegar
1 heaping teaspoon raw honey
1/8-1/4 tumeric
all this in 8-16 ounces hot water (or cold or however much water you would like, maybe grape juice)
stir or gently shake often as the tumeric will settle out
I think I might try cinnamon next in combination.
Tina
Hi, your article did not specify if you meant white or red grapes juice. Could you please specify? Thanks
Erin
Red
Laura @ Green-Living Ladies
Wow–such a fabulous and helpful post Erin! I’m so happy to hear you didn’t catch the stomach virus and the essential oils and other awesome suggestions helped. Thank you so much for the mention! 🙂
Stephanie W.
I was just curious what air purifier you have (the link goes to a list of different ones when I click on it). Thanks!
Caitlin
Last week I got hit with something. I thought it may have been food poisoning as the symptoms came on all of a sudden and I only threw up once. But whatever I got my insides felt messed up for the next several days. I lost my appetite and was very queezy. I’m over it now, but I was wishing I had some activated charcoal! I just kept taking ginger to help with the stomach aches. Ironically, the day before I got sick I was just thinking how lucky I was that I hadn’t caught the horrible virus all winter that has been going around at my work!
Meghan
I was wanting to buy some of the Vitacost probiotics from Amazon that you use but I was wondering how big the pills are? Are they large like daily vitamins or smaller? I have trouble swallowing large ones and didn’t want to purchase if they were too big 🙂
Allison
I was at my chiropractor yesterday and they have a board up in waiting area that said stomach bugs are caused by a lack of vitamin d3. Since vitamin d is the sunshine vitamin, it kind of makes sense that the flu is a winter-time thing, being that most people don’t hang around outside to build up their vitamin d levels. Staying hydrated, eating well and taking vitamin d (in addition to your suggestions as well) should keep you healthy and not get stomach bugs 🙂
Kelly @ The Nourishing Home
My comment has nothing to do with your post – although I love this info, thank you – I just wanted to tell you how much LOVE your new blog redesign. It looks gorgeous and really represents YOU! Beautiful on the inside and out!! Congrats on a great new look for the great information and encouragement you provide to us here! Blessings, Kelly xo
Erin
THANK YOU, Kelly! Mindy is simply amazing, isn’t she?! I am so thankful!
Annmarie
Hi! I’m new to your blog. I had to click on the above article when I saw the title because I’ve done the very same thing, by the grace of God and the things he lead me to take to avoid the stomach bug that hit my family a year or two ago.
Living Streams liquid probiotic is the first defense that I always use, preventatively and during the illness. I also was taking Magnescent Iodine at the time and continued to take it, although I can’t remember how many drops in water that I took. I believe I made oil of oregano capsules, 1-4 drops of OOO to 10 drops of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
I was exhausted the next day after caring for 7 sickies so I spent the day resting, but never got the stomach bug! Praise the Lord!
I too have Charcoal. Colloidal Silver has been a blessing as well and last, but not least, Olive Leaf extract for boosting the immune system.
I’m so thankful to the Lord for the health he has lead us to enjoy by introducing us to these wonderful products.
God Bless,
Annmarie
Erin
Thank you so much for sharing these tips, Annmarie! It is interesting how you used different things to avoid it. I am so thankful to be able to reference your article if/when the stomach bug comes again!
carrie
My 7yr old woke with it this morning. My hisband is at the store arocking up foe us. I have a 3.5yr old and a 1yr old also do you a reccomwndation foe the charcoal for them? Im abojt to do some research, but jist thought I would ask. Thanks 🙂
Katie
For those wondering, you can get activated charcoal into little ones by purchasing the powder and incorporating it in apple sauce (or something similar).
baise fille facile
J’ai pas eu l’ߋccasion de finir de lire ϲependant je repasse dans la soirée
Julie Whitcomb
Another really good probiotic that we use for our daughter is Culturelle. My husband and I take it and they have a kids version. It has also been stamped with the “good housekeeping” seal – which I personally think speaks volumes, but it was recommended to a friend of our by her Ped.
Maggie C
Because the virus can live 4 weeks on surfaces proper cleaning can help with prevention. Clean with a bleach/water solution and Lysol brand 3 spray and use gloves too. After vomitting or having diaherrea always flush with seat lid down. Always spray lysol and clean up with bleach after being sick. Remove toothbrushes from open air as well as vomit particles can be airborne. People are contagious for 3 to 7 days after they are done being sick. This is through fecal matter and possibly saliva. So proper handwashing is a must. Its also recommended not to prepare food for other people unless you want to possibly get someone ill.
Olivia
Hi Maggie, Good advice, except I have to say that bleach (or Lysol) is not a healthy choice for cleaning.
http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/what-is-bleach.html
Pam
Good recommendations, Maggie. Bleach is the only thing that truly kills the bug beside healthcare grade hydrogen peroxide. My husband works in a hospital, and since i have a phobia of the stomach bug, he asked the virologists that worked there. Sorry, bleach may not be healthy, but you aren’t going to kill the virus with anything else.
Christy
Omg! I have a true phobia of vomiting. I have wasted lots of hours searching for remedies & preventions to try. Have prayed that some scientist will come up with a vaccination to prevent such illnesses. I would have a much greater quality of life as I am very phobic of catching a virus.
Emily
Ughhh, yes I have a horrid phobia too! If would be a miracle if there was a vaccine! I hope some of these remedies will help.
Melissa
I am also emetophobic 😀 I guess posts like this draw us in like moths to a lightbulb! Good post.
Kim
I am so scared of getting it as well. I got my hair done today and my hairdresser told me how she had it y days ago. I am praying i dont catch it
Brooke
Meeee too!
I will do anything and take anything not to get it.
I’m dealthy afraid of it and the fear gets worse as I get older lol I avoided it earlier this year with acv,oregano,fasting for a day after exposed from the little one and drinking grape juice! Oh, and dowsing myself with YL thieves.
Erin
It is truly the worst bug!
c
This is totally me, and internally going ballistic right now as it is passing through my home:-(
flo ames
I agree to all of you. I’m a retired critical care nurse but vomiting freaks me out. I can’t handle it. My son is getting married in 10 days and his fiancé just got the vomiting virus. They arrive 7 days before wedding. I pray we won’t be sick for his wedding as it’s so contagious. I’m running to the health food store to purchase several health items that are recommended. Please pray that I’ll be healthy for the wedding 11/10/18. I’m so worried.
Trish
Yes I too have a phobia of vomit/vomiting. I’m currently up browsing this stuff because my 9 month old threw up twice at 1 and now I’m awake. We aren’t sure if it’s a virus or something she ate but man! Anyway, I know that bleach isn’t healthy but I’d rather use it than deal with a stomach bug!!!
amy g
I was wondering how you went about finding an ingetrative pediatrician? I would LOVE to find such a being for my children…
Stephanie
Erin, I have never used essential oils but have been so intrigued by them the past couple of months and really want to try them but am so lost and overwhelmed!!! I’m wanting a good and affordable immune boosting regimen before the Fall/Winter hits, could you point me in the right direction? I’d really appreciate it!
Jenn
I use the young living thieves oil. I drink I drop in water daily as well as diffuse it and it’s supposed to help support a healthy immune system.
Amanda Patterson
Hi, love your blog 🙂 I have a question maybe you could help me with. I am very familiar with essential oils. I have used them for quite a while now. I know what’s okay to use and not to use concerning pregnancy and nursing. I have never used products such as activated charcoal. What is your take or experience using such products while pregnant/nursing? I know you obviously aren’t a doctor and best to consult a physician. I just wanted to know if you had any personal experience with using the above products and pregnancy and nursing? Thank you
Jesse
http://www.learningabouteos.com/index.php/2013/08/06/essential-oil-safety-during-pregnancy/
I could only paste one site, but there’s another page on this site for breastfeeding. Lea Harris is a certified aromatherapist and is not affiliated with any EO company. She really knows her stuff!
Julie
I was wondering what type of air purifier you recommend? They come in a range of prices, so what is important to look for when choosing one for your home? Thanks!
Jennifer Bradley
Thank you for all of the information in this article, very informative. Trying to build up our natural medicine cabinet and this is a great start. I was curious as to what vitamins your family takes regularly from vitacost.
Thanks
Crystal
I too am curious as to what type of air purifier you use. Please share
Crystal
I too am curious as to what type of air purifier you use. Please share –
Rachel
I would love to learn more about natural remedies. My neice in law sells Doterra essential oils, so I have some on hand. It certainly doesnt hurt to educate yourself about more. Thank you so much for sharing your post.
Sincerly,
Rachel H.
Karen Jordan
Hello,
Thank you for the helpful information. I was in a situation last winter where I absolutely could NOT get sick. The day before, I had 5 children throwing up in my household. I quickly researched how to prevent the bug, and my husband nor I got the bug. We used the activated charcoal and garlic, but for prevention, Welch’s grape juice was highly recommended. Testimonies of the grape juice success were that families incorporating grape juice as a prevention hadn’t been sick with the stomach bug for at least 2 years. Apparently it makes the intestines alkaline to prevent the bug from growing in the intestine. It is not recommended for individuals already sick with the bug. Later I was exposed to the bug, and I immediately headed for the store and drank the juice. No bug. So now, I use my essential oils, drink my grape juice, and keep the activated charcoal on hand for emergencies.
Aliyah G Perez
This is so helpful! I too, as soon as my family started throwing up, drank grape juice and had a charcoal pill and never got sick!! I just got exposed to it last night so I’m rushing around trying to find something to take. We’re out of grape juice 🙁
AJ
Hi Erin, I am very happy that I found your site. I am new to being around small children and met a wonderful man last year with a 2 1/2 year old. Fast forward that to a few months later, when I was playing on the couch with him and I got vomited on big time- all over me, the furniture, carpet, you name it. I hate stomach viruses like the rest of us but am particularly afraid of catching them, as I had a segment of intestine removed years ago, and dehydration hits me extremely badly. Given that I am pretty sure I had some on my face and spent a significant amount of time trying to clean it up, I thought there was no way I was going to avoid it. However, I did my research and tried everything you guys recommended. I made a tea for myself to drink throughout the day while at work (some apple cider vinegar, honey, lemon, ginger, and grape juice), took 2 capsules of charcoal 3 times daily, and drank red wine at night. I was careful to clean eating utensils at my home with soap, vinegar, and bleach, and paid attention to not accidentally putting my fingers in my mouth for any reason. My boyfriend as well as his child’s mother both came down with it a few days later; I was the only one that was able to escape. I played with the sick child in the days following his illness and was sleeping in the same bed as my boyfriend when he got sick, so I am sure I got exposed. Thank you all a ton- maybe I was lucky this time, but I will definitely be doing this the next time someone brings home a stomach virus here- well worth avoiding the misery!!
AJ
I wanted to add that (at least where I live) Walgreens and CVS no longer sell activated charcoal but the Vitamin Shoppe does, if you get in a last-minute bind 🙂
Erin
Thanks for letting us know!! I like to keep it on hand!!
Erin
I am SO glad you were able to avoid it, AJ!! YAY!!! It sounds like you were definitely exposed big time–being vomited on is no fun!!
Kelley
I’m curious about the activated charcoal. I’ve never used it and was wondering if there are any side effects with it? Anything I can do to avoid a stomach bug is a must! 🙂
Erin
Kelley, if you take too much, it can make you feel constipated.
Heidi
My clinical nutritionist has me take the charcoal with some magnesium powder to avoid constipation. I take about a teaspoon of the charcoal with about a half teaspoon of magnesium powder.
Sharla
I’m looking into getting an air purifier but just don’t know which one to get. What air purifier do you use??
Erin
I have the Fellows!
susan
I am an ER doctor and activated charcoal is NOT the standard of care for stomach viruses or bacteria. Activated charcoal is given orally in the treatment of overdoses or poisonings. As for the clay…you should research its effects on your iron levels
Erin
Thanks for the input, Susan! 🙂
Danielle S
Susan, they don’t teach alternative medicine in Medical School. Activated Charcoal is a godsend from teeth whitening, to warding off hang-overs. Definitely helps with gas, reflux, and yes stomach virus prevention.
Felicia
This is awesome! I’m 22 and I have never caught the stomach bug up until a year ago and it was the worst 24 hours of my life! Now I’m paranoid about catching it again. I have activated charcoal, probiotics and ginger tea on hand all the time! so happy I read this.
Colleen Schnettler
Great post! The link for the kids’ more expensive probiotics you mentioned doesn’t work. Feel a cold/bug coming on so want to get some stat!
Vanessa
Another thing to add is lysol with peroxide. The reason being is peroxide kills norovirus. When bleach will not disinfect it. I work at a hospital where we deal with that virus alot. Since they started using peroxide wipes it had been less outbreaks.
-Apple cider vinegar nasel flush. 1/2 tsp. In 1 cup warm water.
Probiotic, i use florigen 3.
-Peppermint essential oils with olive oil.
-Ginger tulsi tea with raw honey
-gatorade to get your minerals
-take vitamins, extra zinc and vitamin D
If coughing take Echinacea cough drops or drink herba medicine Enchinacea tea with raw honey or is good by itself.
Rest!
Lizzie
This past week both of my younger siblings have had a stomach bug. My sister had it with v and d Monday to Friday and my brother had d Tuesday to Friday. I’ve avoided getting sick so far and I was happy to got out of the house on a little weekend trip with my dad and boyfriend. We left Friday afternoon and this morning, Sunday, my boyfriend started throwing up-a lot. Is it possible that I had it with little/no syptoms and that he got it from me since he wasn’t around my siblings? Or am I doomed to get it next?
Lizzie
PS I also have emetophobia so I’m freaking out about having to ride home with him and my dad tomorrow
Christy
Lizzie, you are the first person I have ever read about having emetephobia. I am 45 years old & have had this phobia since I was 9 years old. I freak out & have major panic attacks & will do anything I can think of to trick my brain into not getting sick. It is a terrible feeling to be so out of control when feeling sick comes over me or I hear of someone I’ve been around getting sick. You must email me. [email protected]
We can share ideas & phobic stories?
Brooke
Same!!! It’s my worst fear!
Katie
Oh how I can relate to being an emetophob! Hopefully the car ride isn’t terribly long and your poor bf can just sleep. It’s possible you were a carrier of the bug, but it seems to be going around right now so he could have picked it up anywhere. I would make sure to really disinfect spaces you share with your sick siblings bc the virus can stay active even after everyone is better. I’ve heard Apple Cider Vinegar is a god send in helping prevent the bug. Google the recommended dose and make sure you get legit ACV brand. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Jan Lewis
I recently read about activated charcoal in a comment on a FB page (for the website stopthestomachflu.com) and bought some. I go to a knitting group twice a week and last night a few people who had recently had the stomach flu were discussing how they still weren’t feeling completely well. Yuck! I started taking activated charcoal just to help prevent any wayward bugs from getting me. I HATE THE STOMACH FLU!! Thanks for posting!
Alaina
I apologize if this has been asked already but is it okay to drink 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar by itself?
Melissa
It’s best to add ACV to a little room temp water. It’s very strong and can irritate your mouth and throat.
Linda
I have activated charcoal but the bottle says take 3-4 hours before or after meals and not with any other vitamins or medicines. When and how am I supposed to take it? If I take it near when I take my BC pills, will it make them ineffective? It just seems like there’s no time to take them!
Chrissie
I do grape juice and diffuse thieves. Another thing I swear by is having a tooth brush holder that cleans with ultra violet it means that when bathrooms are filling up with germs toothbrushes don’t get yuckies in them which then get put in mouths.
Erin
I must know more about the toothbrush holder!! Now I am intrigued and want to get one!
Hannah
I love this blog so much, thank you for sharing these great tips! Please add that activated charcoal should not be taken with any prescription medications, as it will absorb them. This includes birth control pills! Just wanted to share that information.
Hannah
yes it will! Activated charcoal can still be in your gut 24 hours after taking it and can potentially negate your birth control pills. EEK!
Michelle
If you werent exposed and just trying to avoid getting the stomach virus throughout the time when it’s going around, do you know of what’s best to take?, or have you taken anything that was guaranteed to work to avoid getting the stomach flu?
Erin
I know some people who drink a small cup of grape juice daily during stomach virus season in order to avoid getting it…and it seems to work!