In Your Opinion: Virus or Food Poisoning? [GRAPHIC DISCUSSION]

**Loaf** · 07-21-2010 01:43 AM

Note: The following post includes details that may disgust some.

So, last week a member of my family started to get diarrhea-- literally, just brown water. They had it for a few days, but coped. A few days a go another member of my family experienced the same thing, over a period of a two or more days. They also lost their appetite a little, but other than that are fine. Last night, the youngest member of my family threw up while in bed. She then had diarrhea, and proceeded to be sick throughout the night (hourly, at least). In a family of 5, me and my mother are the only ones who have apparently not fallen ill.

I know almost everyone reading this isn't a doctor, but I'm keen to hear your opinions.

- The youngest member of my family, aged 3, had eaten out earlier that day, at a fast food restaurant. She also had a milkshake that was "left out for over an hour after purchase" apparently. Could it be food poisoning?
- The first person to fall ill has not experienced vomiting, or anything worse. Both members of the family who first became ill have not experienced vomiting or other symptoms for over 48 hours, and appear to be recovering. Could it be unrelated?
- My mother and I, whom have not fallen ill, are the "clean freaks" of the house, but if it is a virus there isn't much we can do. We are bracing for something harsh.
- In the past, our family has been hit with a virus that was similar to what my youngest sister is experiencing (and I personally caught something similar in 2008). Could it be that our immune system is more "advance" than hers, and that possibly we are immune to it or are getting a lesser effect?
- The youngest member of my family, whom has it the worst, didn't seem to have a fever but became extremely pale, probably from both the virus and shock

**Flashdance** · 07-22-2010 02:59 AM

Do you really want to play Russian roulette when your family members are falling like dominoes?

Your entire family should be going to see a doctor for a checkup and blood tests.

**kookyinc** · 07-22-2010 03:10 AM

Originally Posted by Flashdance

Do you really want to play Russian roulette when your family members are falling like dominoes?

Your entire family should be going to see a doctor for a checkup and blood tests.

I concur.
Also, virus.

**Supernova** · 07-22-2010 04:16 AM

If it was food poisoning, you'd know because the sufferer would be Feeling like they were going to die.

Seriously, my dad's had it twice, and he says it's the sickest he's ever been. If it was food poisoning, there would probably be little or no doubt.

I'd say get anyone sick do the doctor right away, and untill well after this ceases to be a problem take every precaution to avoid exposure.

**Loaf** · 07-22-2010 06:23 AM

Originally Posted by Flashdance

Do you really want to play Russian roulette when your family members are falling like dominoes?

Your entire family should be going to see a doctor for a checkup and blood tests.

Thats an extreme over reaction. You only need to seek medical advice if symptoms remain strong for over 24 hours.
Just so you know, we booked a doctors appointment, but after contacting the health line we were advised a doctors appointment would be unnecessary. Its been 48 hours, and nobody else has become ill-- my sister is now recovering, and is keeping hydrated. She showed some newer symptoms, which point to virus-- but, its quite possible it was food borne anyhow.

Luckily, we are all very health conscious anyway, and have persistently used hand sanitizer and frequently washed our hands. Door handles and other things my sister was handling prior to falling ill have been cleaned.