There’s a monster out there I can’t stop thinking about. It scares me, worries me, and angers me.
I’m trying to do everything I can to keep that monster from coming in to my home. After all, we do stay home mostly out of fear for the monster.
That monster is the flu.
I don’t know about where you are, but in DFW, they’re saying it’s the worst they’ve ever seen.
I wasn’t too worried about it until I heard THAT.
When I heard, the other night, about a 6 year old girl who died from the flu just hours after coming home from the ER, I started to get scared. Like, “it’s-all-I-think-about” scared.
I used to get a flu shot when I was a teacher. Every year I got the shot, I would get the flu.
Since I quit teaching 4 years ago, I have yet to get the shot again and I haven’t had the flu since. Interesting, I think.
I also haven’t given my kids the flu shot and after everything we’ve been through with Riverson getting HSP, something I’m convinced is a result of a vaccine, I didn’t want him to get it, either.
Of course, now that I’m scared and thinking this could be a life or death situation, I want him to get it.
But, to make matters worse, just when I thought we were well on our way to moving past HSP and getting better, he woke up last night crying with swollen ankles/feet and many new spots on his legs. Ugh.
This means he probably can’t get it now.
And even people who are getting the flu shot are still getting the flu.
Brantley is too young, as far as I know, since she’s 5 months.
I feel like I have to be trapped inside my home until flu season is over.
It really is haunting me, every day. I just don’t know what to do.
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Linking up with MamaKat.
I am so scared of it too. With my son’s respiratory issues, I feel like he is a lame duck that would be one the really “risky” cases. I decided to vaccinate my kids, but we are staying in for a few more weeks!
Jennifer Thomas´s last [type] ..Arboretum Family Day
Yes, I know having a kid with asthma creates an additional risk. I was one of those kids with asthma. It just makes it more scary for you guys, too!
I feel the same way. When my daughter gets sick, she gets very sick! I’ve even backed out on watching my own nephew due to the fact that he has a cold. It could be just a cold, or it could be the flu starting out with a runny nose. I’m not taking any chances! (my sister is very upset with me BTW) So sorry to hear about Riverson! I hope he gets past this soon! Brantley is such a doll!
Thanks Amie! I’m pretty crazy about Brantley! Good for you for not taking any chances and being so diligent about keeping the sickness out of your house.
I’ve had a LOT of kids out with the flu – especially before Christmas. If it makes you feel any better, most of those kids DID get the flu shot or mist.
Dewawn´s last [type] ..Advent Activities – I think I bit off more than I can chew.
Yes, that DOES make me feel better! Thanks Dewawn.
Twitter: giggleglitzglam
says:
I have a very similar post in my drafts right now. I have to keep reminding myself that my God is bigger than the flu and loves my child(ren). Our days are already numbered and nothing we can do can stop that.
I have become so paranoid though and clean everything. I’ve got clorox wipes in my purse now and hand sanitizer. But I also don’t want to live in fear. Where is the balance?!
Jana´s last [type] ..Our Little Bookworms 1st Birthday
The Clorox wipes in the purse are a great idea!
Twitter: carrieelleblog
says:
We just got over the flu, and it was rough…but, I’ve had the flu before and I would say this one was mild compared to others (at least, in our experience!). I think the media is having a hay day with this and probably making it seem worse than it really is (don’t get me wrong – it sucks – but I don’t think it’s as bad as they’re making it).
Carrie´s last [type] ..The Night the Baby Slept
You’re right. The media really is having a hay day with all of this and they’re scaring me to death. I think we’ll just be washing hands like crazy and staying in whenever we can. Flu season won’t last forever, right?
Twitter: natashahanson
says:
It is really worrying me, too! I definitely don’t want my three month old to get it
Makes me so sad about all the kids that have gotten it. Argh!
Natasha´s last [type] ..Film Stills – Marie Antoinette
I know. The stories about the kids are really making me sad. We’ll be washing hands like crazy. I hope you guys are untouched by the time this flu season ends.
It is very scary – it has been all over my house with my daughter and her kids here for a bit – they have all had it.
I have luckily escaped it. I have been faithfully using something I saw at a convention in NYC this summer, Halo and I haven’t so much as gotten the sniffles! I am amazed! You just squirt three squirts in your mouth swish it around and swallow and it protects you from germs when you are going to be around people who are sick or out in public. I met the Dr. who made it and so far, like I said I am impressed.
I hope all of you get thru without getting it!
Dian
That stuff sounds so interesting! I think I’ll have to look in to it! I’m glad it’s been keeping you safe!
That’s so tough, especially with little ones and kids who are prone to sickness. Just go with your gut. I know people who get the vaccine and still get the flu and people who don’t get the vaccine and never get the flu and people who….There are endless combinations, Just go with your gut!
Jessica´s last [type] ..Raising Kids, Raising Money, Raising Awareness
I love that advice. Going with your gut always seems best, for sure! Thanks!
The stomach flu is what was scarying the crap out of me. One by one my FB feeds were filled with sick friends. To the point I feared going outside lol. We don’t do the flu shot and I am fine with that. I haven’t gotten it in years, but I despise vomit so yeah, I feel ya lol.
Misty´s last [type] ..Weigh In Friday Is Back
Oh the vomit. Yuck. I do NOT want to go there. We’ll be washing hands like crazy and probably staying home a LOT!
Twitter: savingugreenmom
says:
I agree its very scary! It made its way through our house our break and my 2 youngest had to take tamiflu. I have been reminding my kids how important it is to wash their hands to stop from spreading germs!
I’m glad everyone’s ok in your house now but I’m sorry your little ones had to suffer through it. No fun!
Twitter: CookCleanCraft
says:
It seems like every year, the media reports it’s going to be the worst year (and I don’t know why they create this culture of fear). Some people get the flu and some don’t and there’s no rhyme or reason to it. Do your best to keep your kids healthy, but try not to make it an obsession. It’s hard being a parent.
Narelle @ Cook Clean Craft´s last [type] ..Quilt Block of the Month
It really is hard being a parent, isn’t it! I do wonder why the media creates such a fear in all of us.
Luckily, me and the kids haven’t gotten the flu yet, but I can see how worried you are since your little one is really young. I haven’t had the flu as long as I can remember and I don’t get the flu shot or neither does my kids.
Nicoyle´s last [type] ..Happy Birthday to Me, Taking A Look Back
I’m so glad you guys haven’t been hit with the flu. Hopefully we’ll both be saying that when this flu season is finally over.
Oh my goodness, I just got all caught up on your HSP updates. Holy smokes! My kids have skin problems as well, but I’m hoping are growing out of it. It’s just heart breaking to see them so itchy and in pain. I got all of their flu shots done on Thursday, but I’ve heard it’s awfully late in the season to be getting them. I feel like if I were in your shoes I’d just say a prayer and hold tight. No way would I feel comfortable giving Riverson a shot after what happened the last time. Stay home when you can, wash hands, disinfect and pray! I’ll be praying with you! NO MORE SICKIES!
Kat´s last [type] ..Parenting Tip From A PRO!
Thanks Kat! I think we’re going to just keep washing hands and practice all of the prevention methods we can. Thanks for praying with me!