Flu Season

Interestingly enough, I forgot to get a flu shot this year. Maybe that is because I am not working in the hospital, where people jump up and down with balloons, streamers, banners and all sorts of noise makers, reminding you to get the flu shot or else! So, I did not get one. Either did R my daughter, she just didn't have a reason to see the doctor and since we have moved, we really didn't have a pediatrician. Sure, you say, you could have taken her to 'Safeway' and paid the $25 dollars to get her vaccinated. Really I didn't even think about it. My friend, M, really went out of her way to get her children the mist, and went to three or four pharmacies and the other doctors offices. I talked with her daily about her flu mist woes and never once did it occur to me, that maybe these should be my woes too. B, on the other hand, had to visit the pediatrician for a school physical. The US state dept one, wasn't good enough. So he got in to one across the street, who told me, he need four shots and flu mist. How'd I miss that? He had his four year old check up in Washington. Now at four and a half, he's behind? What? Oh in the state of Virginia, all the kindergarten shots are at four, not five. Ok. So he's now up to date with vaccines and flu mist. Did this clue me in to the fact, my daughter needs to be vaccinated too? NOPE. DUH.

This Christmas, R has 6 days of fever, aches, headaches, chills, and general yuck, all due to her mother forgetting to get her protected from a horrible virus. Being the brave and strong girl she is, she did NOT complain, and got better. She enjoyed Christmas and her holidays despite her illness, and was better by the end of the break, so she didn't miss school. B, did not get sick, except for a small low grade temp for one day. Oh, so it works! Flu shots and Flu mist are helpful in preventing kids from getting sick.

I have spent this week on the couch. R, shared her virus with me, which is so kind and generous of her. I, and not so brave and strong, and complained bitterly. Lovely husband, and proud soon to be Bangladesh bound US diplomat, took great care of his wife and children. Picking the kids up from school after his work was done for the day, making dinner and cleaning up after the day. He was a saviour. Thank goodness.

This week, will be better. Back to regular life. Getting off couch, going to go to gym (because it is January), entertaining friends, going out with the girls, date nights with husband. Life must go on. It might be rough, but someone has to do it!