The Death...

I spent the past week attempting to survive...

Everyone has passed around a nasty stomach bug. Last Tuesday, I started to feel under the weather. I barely made it through Wednesday lectures. Unfortunately, I had to go to my Thursday practicals which I nearly passed out from walking up the stairs. Everything was exhausting and I was either starving or nauseous. So, lots of sleeping and watching TV shows.

I was positive that it was simply the stomach flu. However, some facts have been brought to the light...7 days after calf handling, other people profusely throwing up and two being diagnosed with a zoonotic disease and I don't get sick. These have lead me to believe I have been infected with Cryptosporidium. The new baby calves are known to carry crypto which is why we wear waterproofs, wellies and gloves. The average incubation time is 2 to 12 days after exposure. The 7 days after calf handling is perfect timing. Several others have been horribly sick and much worse than I was. The symptoms include fever, stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomtiting. Thankfully, I managed to keep everything down, albiet barely. Finally, two girls were diagnosed by their general practioners with crypto.

Lastly, my immune system is rock solid. The silly flu hasn't gotten to me in years. Even at A&M with all of my roommates infected, I stayed healthy! Also, I feel so much cooler saying I survived a zoonotic disease than the simple flu.

My diet consisted of bananas, oatmeal and trying not to throw up. So, I must catch up on my lack of nutrition. It seems as though I can't eat enough now.