You're a Mean One, Mr. Flu

It was a Friday and my eldest daughter had sniffles, sore throat, and generally felt rotten. Since we were going to see Santa later that afternoon, we decided that she'd stay home from school and rest up. (Our Santa at Phipps appointment had been booked since AUGUST, so there was no missing -- or rescheduling -- that!?!). Since she had recently had strep throat, I thought it would be wise to take her quickly and get checked out at the pediatrician's office. "Strep-free... just a cold," was the diagnosis. And with that, we were on our merry way to see Santa!

Later that evening, i experienced what I deemed to be the world's worst case of food poisoning and proceeded to be knocked out for 1.5 days. Upon re-emerging, my hubby reported that he, too, didn't feel well (headache, scratchy throat, and chest pain). It was not until this time that I finally put 2 and 2 together. My "AH-HA!" moment occurred in slow motion in my mind. "OHHHH NOOOOO! It's the FLUUUUUUUUU!!!" [And we may have given it to SANTA CLAUS!]

One by one, the family fell like flies. Middle child got sick on Sunday evening. Youngest had a fever on Monday night. on Tuesday, I said, "Enough is enough," and marched all three kids in to see our pediatrician. I declared, "I'm not leaving without flu tests for all." Thankfully, my kids' doctor gets us, and after three nasal swabs, he returned to report that all indeed tested positive for flu.

Relieved -- and irritated, I am here to share the following:

1. Having the flu is NO fun. My hubby said his body hurt so badly that he could barely walk, and it felt like someone was sitting on his chest. [He did NOT get the flu shot.]

2. My eldest daughter had a headache, stomach cramps, fever, and was completely lethargic. [She also did NOT get the flu shot. She had just been sick every time we were eligible to get it.]

3. My middle child also experienced stomach cramps, fever, no appetite, and was generally miserable. [She, too, had been sickly this season and had NOT had the flu shot.]

4. My youngest, had a tummy ache, fever, and no appetite. [And ditto, she did NOT have the flu shot either.]

5. No one three up. YIPPEE!

Good news -- hubby and two youngest were prescribed Tamiflu, and that seemed to provide some relief (especially for our youngest). I did get my flu shot (thank you, CDC, for offering them at our offices), and my symptoms were indeed less severe. Bad news -- the flu is running rampant around Georgia right now.

This experience taught me a few lessons, and I thought that maybe a few of you may find some degree of value in my sharing:

1. Consider getting a flu shot for you and your family.

2. Wash your hands (that is how germs are primarily spread).

3. Sneeze and cough into your ELBOW (or "muscle" if you have little ones) to avoid spreading/spewing germs.

4. If you do get the flu, remember that if it is within the first 48 hours, Tamiflu may be prescribed and can help prevent the spread of the virus in your body. Again, i can ONLY speak for our personal experience, but it certainly helped us.

5. Most importantly, if sickly, stay home, drink lots of fluids (hydration is key), snuggle in, rest, and remember, "This, too, shall pass."

6. For helpful tips on dealing with the flu, visit www.flu.gov .

Here's hoping you have a happy, healthy, FLU-FREE Christmas and New Year!