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Sick in an RV - what do you do?

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Happened to me a couple years ago when boondocking at a casino. It was from sitting in the hot tub (bacteria) or food poisoning. I was just glad I'd paid for a weeks stay because I wasn't able to drive. All in all it took about 2 weeks to get over it. Also, no matter how sanitized the fresh tank is I'd never drink from it. Mine even has its own water filter, still wouldn't touch it.
 
Also, no matter how sanitized the fresh tank is I'd never drink from it. Mine even has its own water filter, still wouldn't touch it.
My sentiments completely.
I carry 2 40ct cases of bottled water from Sam's Club or Costco for $3.99 each.
That is our drinking, coffee, and dog water.
Tank water for washing, rinsing, and teeth brushing; never swallowed!
 
My sentiments completely.
I carry 2 40ct cases of bottled water from Sam's Club or Costco for $3.99 each.
That is our drinking, coffee, and dog water.
Tank water for washing, rinsing, and teeth brushing; never swallowed!
same, 25 yrs RVing, never a problem with the bottled water
 
My wife and I both drink from the fresh tank. We’ve not had a problem in 15 years. I’m very diligent with sanitation though.
 
My wife and I both drink from the fresh tank. We’ve not had a problem in 15 years. I’m very diligent with sanitation though.
X2 except it’s been over 20 years for us without a problem. Way too many other sources for contamination. Just think of what your hands touch every day.
 
X2 except it’s been over 20 years for us without a problem. Way too many other sources for contamination. Just think of what your hands touch every day.
X3 Forty five years inc eight years of full time all over Canada, US and some Mexico. We sanitize four times a year and use three filters before any hits the tank.
 
I did flush, sanitize, flush, fill prior to this trip. I'm making an assumption as to the cause and obviously have a little fear of the water. In the heat of summer the spigots at campgrounds like Carowinds that was barely occupied could have stagnant water. We all (I hope) purge the spigot prior to connecting as there's always brown yuck that comes out. I've never had an issue with the water and it could be anything that caused it.
 
X2 except it’s been over 20 years for us without a problem. Way too many other sources for contamination. Just think of what your hands touch every day.
my issue is more on taste than contamination, some CG water spoils my bourbon flavor
 
I do not even drink my home city water. I drink Reverse Osmosis water or bottled water. I do check for total dissolved solids with a water tester. I even check my bottled water. My OLD BaRTH has on board reverse osmosis drinking water. The ice cubes are made from the Reverse Osmosis water. This one of the first custom things I did to my rig.
In conclusion I do not drink my shower water.

 
I saw your post, and did take pause. I once almost had to call an ambulance in a campground, but fortunately, did not. Two weeks after returning from my summer trip, sure enough 2 AM my wife had to drive me to the ER.

I do’t have pets to worry about - just the coach. So, I guess 911 is all I have. If there is a choice of hospitals, I usually inquire of the locals, which is the best choice. I pray a lot.
 
I saw your post, and did take pause. I once almost had to call an ambulance in a campground, but fortunately, did not. Two weeks after returning from my summer trip, sure enough 2 AM my wife had to drive me to the ER.

I do’t have pets to worry about - just the coach. So, I guess 911 is all I have. If there is a choice of hospitals, I usually inquire of the locals, which is the best choice. I pray a lot.
Some hospitals have accommodations for campers. A friend was able to stay in Albuquerque hospital accommodations while her son was on his way out.
 
This would pertain to RVs, as the same problems I have seen in 30+ years of boat cruising.
We have had emergencies at marinas. 911 works. However, most campground/marinas have a list of 24 hour medical services available.
I asked a Doctor who was rated E R as to what can we pack to cover MINOR emergencies. He taught the group basic American Red cross "1st responder" first aid and recommended some meds to have on hand, and to ask your primary to script them for you.
I bought a first aid book at a boat store that deals with boat/marine emergencies, but mostly all of the items also apply yo R Ving.
For instance, you are at a campground at the ocean. In the water, you get a jelly fish stinger mechanism on your arm. How do you treat? Wash with SALT water then ammonia. (I have used this, it works.)
I built up a kit with what I need.
Many of us are older, and don't want to admit which anniversary of 39 you are in.
You have daily meds you take. Pack a few days extra, in case you run out or decide to stay longer. I use a medicine box set up in morning, day, and evening, and has a weeks worth. They are available at your corner drug store or amazon. It also has the advantage of looking it it immediately shows if you took a previous one or not.
This could save your life:
I had my primary make up a report stating my medical problems, allergies, meds, and historical problems, and print it. It is in my wallet and case I have a problem in Burning Stump, Missouri. (yes facetious) Nowadays, record it on your cell, and/or a USB memory thingy. EVEYONE has a computer.
Find out in advance if your major med/insurance has a call up line with a 24/7 nurse you can talk to about your problem. Note: I will not give medical advice or state what is in my kit, because we are all different. One thing I will say is: you are not trained and certified in sutures (stiches). Butterfly band aids are available over the counter and work temporarily until a major cut is professionally treated. Get an assortment.
Pets: the campground me be of help there. Or find another camper wo will at least feed the pet(s). $$$ talks.
 
Ironically I posted a message here around two weeks ago about emergency planning etc. etc. and sure enough two days after that post I got really really really sick. So much so that I had to reach out to two close friends here to prepare for handling of Elli if I had to go to the ER. I should have gone to the ER and I was urged by several to go to urgent care multiple times but could not leave my dog stranded alone in the RV not knowing how long I would have to be gone. The next problem is taking the dog out, fortunately that was okay but another something to consider if alone with pet.

Today, two weeks later, I did a telemed with my doctor back home, he sent in prescriptions to CVS which I just picked up. It seems there is some bacteria something going around in the water or wherever he said and I thought it was my fresh water tank from sitting for a year or so, although I did sanitize it, and super sanitized it again, flushed it multiple times and now I may be one of you that doesn't drink the water in the RV. I don't know, but I have spring water now and I'm a bit hesitant to drink the water, city water or RV water.

Tonight I finally had dinner, the first time in two weeks, typically it's been a small meal in the morning then bad from there. Doing all I can to hydrate yet part of that was adding electrolytes to the RV water and drinking that. Lost 7 lbs last week alone.

The telemed concept is a first for me, worked great, although had to wait the entire day as I was tacked on to the end of the day's appointments, which is fine, but really could have used meds earlier. I should have reached out to my doc a week ago! Yeah, some of you are telling me "I told you so" and you're right.

We've all been sick and sick in the RV, this was the worst of it for me. I probably had covid back before we knew it was covid, I thought it was bronchitis for around a month but handled it. This one got my attention for reasons I won't share but put close friends on alert and it was good to establish that network and I recommend it's something you think about too. I wear an Apple watch mainly for the safety aspects not just the tech. I think the health monitoring of devices like the Apple watch are something many should consider. It's warned me on heart rate and other things before, it's a good thing.

Sharing my story as it's not something we often think about and fulltimers are more aware of doctor visits while RVing than most of us. I'm fortunate to be healthy 99% of the time and rarely need to go to the doc, this time was that time.

Doing much better now, I think. But all is good and still enjoying my RV time.
I notice you said spring water. That is not sanitized water. Buy distilled water - it’s sanitized and will keep indefinitely. Spring water is not guaranteed to be safe, but distilled water is all we use for coffee, drinking, making tea, etc. Never any stomach issues with it. Good luck!
 
We concern ourselves over drinking water illness but it is actually minuscule compared to foodborne illness from things like not washing our hands well prior to handling food to restaurant servers with poor hygiene etc. I understand people’s concern over drinking water but that’s only a tiny part of the equation. I never drink anything but tap water but that’s just me.
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