u/K8hoxie

Hello!

I am a therapist, and I work with people of all functioning levels. I don't have definitive proof, but I keep getting norovirus from a client who drools A LOT in our sessions. She is lower functioning and nonverbal, so she can't communicate how bad she is feeling. She puts everything in her mouth, goes to school, so it's not out of the realm of possibility. Her mother mentioned she was having diarrhea but that she seemed to be fine, so she brought her. I heard that and went, oh well I'll do my best. This is the second time this year I have gotten it right after they've told me her symptoms, and I've been sick for well over a week. I've had to cancel other clients, and I've been miserable.

I'm wondering if there is anything I can do to protect myself from her saliva while also not being a rude a**hole in the sessions. This client is one of my favorites, and I really don't want to take away from their experience.

Thank you for any advice!!

Hello!

I am a therapist, and I work with people of all functioning levels. I don't have definitive proof, but I keep getting norovirus from a client who drools A LOT in our sessions. She is lower functioning and nonverbal, so she can't communicate how bad she is feeling. She puts everything in her mouth, goes to school, so it's not out of the realm of possibility. Her mother mentioned she was having diarrhea but that she seemed to be fine, so she brought her. I heard that and went, oh well I'll do my best. This is the second time this year I have gotten it right after they've told me her symptoms, and I've been sick for well over a week. I've had to cancel other clients, and I've been miserable.

I'm wondering if there is anything I can do to protect myself from her saliva while also not being a rude a**hole in the sessions. This client is one of my favorites, and I really don't want to take away from their experience.

Thank you!