Is Norovirus what people used to refer to as “stomach flu” (which I thought was just an inaccurate name for gastroenteritis)?
I’d never heard the term until the Chipotle incident(s) of last year. At the time I thought it was some rare, or at least new, illness and I wondered why it seemed to keep afflicting Chipotle workers / customers in different states.
In any case, I’ve never had it or heard of anyone around here ever having suffered from it so I wonder if it’s more common these days.
Thank you for the information; that’s good to know. My general point was that a norovirus infection is just one example of a time when living alone can be a problem. And this is obviously something that affects people around the world. The New York Times ran an article recently about how in Japan some elderly people who had been living alone were also dying alone and undiscovered, perhaps not until the smell reaches the neighbors. One guy had his rent and utilities paid automatically from his bank account and so he wasn’t discovered until the account was depleted and the landlord came to check. By that time, only the skeleton was left. Perhaps that’s an argument against automatically paying your bills.
I assume what I am getting every winter is gastroenteritis but I also assume that people use that, “stomach flu” and “Norovirus” interchangeably.
I live alone and a few years ago I had it. Sit on the toilet, puke in a bucket/bowl/garbage can. Cuz if you’re puking, you’re gonna have diarrhea. I was so sick for 48 hours that I couldn’t get off the couch except to make it to the bathroom. I was able to drink water after about 24 hours. I was indeed dehydrated and had I not improved, I would have gone to the hospital for fluids. This is easily managed if you live alone. I like the idea of the sick box. Gatorade and 7-UP are your friends.
In my case, the hospital would only allow you to be driven by a friend or relative. However, my doctor eventually got permission to have me get a “virtual colonoscopy”, which uses a CT scan, so I did not have to be given anesthesia. Still an unpleasant experience, but at least I was able to drive myself home.
Had one earlier this week, the literature specified your escort must remain in the hospital the entire time. Underlined, all caps, in bold ! They continue, ‘otherwise your procedure may be cancelled.’ Hubby did the job, no worries. But I did wonder about singles managing such things.
I have an eccentric artist friend who needed an escort, for a medical procedure, so I went with. Also kept him in my home overnight as the hospital insisted he have someone with him for the first 24 hrs. (Different procedure!)
It’s gastroenteritis times ten. I’ve had plenty of episodes with a painful stomach and diarrhea, but this was different. I was barely conscious, seeing spots, had to crawl instead of walk. It was the first time I’d vomited in 25 years.
I’ve lived alone most of my adult life. I maintain a good relationship with my neighbors, who would run to the store for me if I needed something. Mostly, I just manage. I’ve fed horses on crutches and pulled myself out from under my tractor when I rolled it.
I do think it’s important to maintain regular contact with people as you age alone. Just a couple minute daily phone call, so someone will notice if you’re not answering.
StG
And while you still have the strength, establish a clear and unobstructed path to the toilet.
I’ve lived alone through a broken hip, an appendectomy and surgery on my face/neck. For me, most of the main issues have been resolved by technology and money so that I don’t have to burden my friends with more than walking my dogs or taking out the trash. Hell, with money, I could have those taken care of too 