Help! Chronic stress attacks because of viruses

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I've had a cold and a cough last week. The cold wasn't nice but the cough I didn't mind as it doesn't affect me that much. I'm still coughing a little, but the cold went 4 days ago. But just yesterday I woke up feeling fine, until suddenly diarrhoea came out into my underwear, which I wasn't expecting at all. I had to clean myself up then had diarrhoea twice (on the toilet) but no more. I was very frightened because I haven't had diarrhoea come out in my underwear since I was 3. I haven't been eating ever since, even though I physically feel hungry, my mind has suddenly prevented me from eating. Then last night I had the most agonizing acid pain in my stomach, and it felt like my stomach was eating itself. I came over so unwell that I had to go to bed, and my legs ached too, probably because my body is not used to going this hungry.

Today I still can't eat, although my stomach has been rumbling from hunger. Each time I put food in my mouth, even just something dry like bread or crackers, I feel I want to heave. So I suppose I'm going to get those acid pains again in the pit of my stomach tonight. Then, lo and behold, there has been a sickness and diarrhoea bug going around at work today (I work as a cleaner at a care home), so that has got me even more stressed. I haven't got a tummy bug in years and years, and now I know I'm going to get it because I haven't been eating properly for the last 2 days. Also I feel very run down. I have got cold sores at the sides of my lips.

I keep having stress attacks and I don't know who to talk to. My mum has got friends round so I can't go in there. I have an intense fear of vomiting, and I think the bad experience I had yesterday morning with diarrhoea has actually frightened me. Even now when I think about that, I suddenly get a fright. Also I'm scared my family will hate me if I be sick because they know that I hate other people being sick so much that they'll make me feel like hypocrite. I'm so stressed out I wish I could die before I vomit. I've really, really got to leave the care home. It is not a practical place for an emetophobe to work.

One thing I would suggest, that if at all possible relax. Be grateful, try to be calm, meditate, call your mom or dad. My guess is that you are getting yourself worked up, and making things worse. You probably contracted the virus from work. I would inform my boss that I was sick. You should be at home with someone that can baby you for a while. I was sick this year too. I felt like a hypocrite because I didn't get a flu shot, and then got this flu. It has been weeks now, maybe a month and 1/2. My symptoms at present are a constantly running or plugged up nose. I sneeze, and from sinus drainage I cough. But the worst symptoms are over. Everything is temporary, both pleasure and pain. You are young, I am sure you will survive to be happy and carefree again soon. My best wishes for the holidays.

Zener