[alisasny]

You are so right. I was pretty sick and contemplated asking my mother in law to come over to take care of my daughter. Then I said, what if she gets it, I dont want her sick like this. We made it through and my daughter, age 6 really rose to the occasion by getting us liquids and helping us out as best she could. It was the worst stomach virus I ever had but thats what it was a rude stomach virus. Why would I want to go to hospital so they can tell me there is nothing we can do for you, just wait it out.

[RANGERAIRBORNE]

By the way, the average visit to a clinic here in Alaska for "Norwalk Virus" would cost close to $200. If you elected to go to the hospital Emergency Department, you can count on at least double that bill- plus a lot of lab tests you don't need or want.

Not presuming to give advice, but as long as I have no real pain (cramps don't count), can hold down enough fluids to stay reasonably hydrated, and my temp is under 102, I'll skip the doctor.

In the case of a small child or an old, frail person, of course, I would be a lot more cautious! They don't tolerate dehydration well.

BTW, if you do get Norwalk-like virus, you can be sure that someone you came into contact with (or who handled your food or utensils) did not wash their hands after using the toilet. No mystery about it- it's a virus found in feces.

For fun, start keeping a mental tally of the folks who use any public restroom you happen to be in who just go straight out the door, without stopping at the sink. (Especially in restaurants, this is an instructive exercise). You will find that it is at least 50%- usually more. (Women may be a little better at this, but published studies really do not show this...)