We still don’t know if it was really H1N1 that invaded our house last week, but I suppose it doesn’t really matter. We’re mostly recovered (though C had to start antibiotics this weekend because of a suspected secondary infection), but the memory of several miserable days is still strong.
And so, because I’m so nice, I’ve compiled a list of the things I did some things YOU can do, just in case you find yourself dealing with a H1N1 or a similar illness. Enjoy!
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Google every combination of the words “swine flu,” h1n1, symptoms, duration, treatment, mild, peak, immunity etc. that you can come up with. Result: you’ll learn that no one knows what they’re talking about. Every description of swine flu is different, and most doctors aren’t even really testing for it anymore. So…good luck. Just get rest and drink fluids.
Play mindless computer games until you can’t see straight. Farm Town and Bejeweled Blitz (both on Facebook) fit the bill well.
Think about how you’re never leaving your house again because of all the stupid germs out there and the insensitive sick people who are clearly not washing their hands enough. Or properly covering their mouths when they cough.
Be glad that at least now you don’t need the vaccine. At least you think you don’t. If the doctor guessed correctly. Which may or may not be the case.
Watch mindless TV. For starters, you can try Top Chef, The Dog Whisperer, and random Food Network shows.
Wonder whether Cesar Milan, Tom Colicchio, or Paula Deen have had the swine flu.
Test out Dog Whisperer techniques on your cat. Realize she’s too dumb to get it.
Attempt a Sudoku puzzle. Admit your brain is too foggy to successfully count to nine more than twice. Scribble out the whole puzzle and give up.
Visit the CDC’s flu page and try to predict whether this wave of the flu has peaked or if it will keep climbing.
If you have an iPhone or iPod touch: visit the App store and treat yourself to a 99 cent app about stargazing, or download the Starbucks app to use when you’re finally feeling better.
Enjoy the extra cuddles with your normally-squirmy 3-year-old.
Wonder if that slight wheeze you just heard come out of your mouth means you’re developing pneumonia. Google combinations of the words swine, h1n1, pneumonia, secondary infection, and symptoms. Decide you should be okay for now.
Clorox everything. Repeatedly. So your husband doesn’t get sick. But secretly resent him just a little bit because it’s not fair that you’re sick and he’s not.
Wake up one morning and realize you’re feeling much better. But not quite well enough to clean the house yet. Curl up with a good book and don’t tell anyone you’re better just yet. Enjoy the book and the quiet time.
The only change I would make to your list is: OPENLY resent your husband for not getting sick, then regret doing this when he does fall victim. (Seems like this always happens at our house, and then I feel extra horrible!)
I’m glad you’re mostly recovered and hop it keeps getting better and stays that way! I hate it when we’re sick, and we’re usually sick. My youngest and I get sick very easily while my oldest is a bit more resistant but not as much as my husband who almost never gets sick but is an amazing carrier which I normally resent until he gets sick and I have to take care of him. He’s awesome when we’re sick, though, so I can’t really complain.
That might be the only bonus of being sick – that point where you’re finally feeling good enough you want to read but still sick enough to get away with locking yourself in your room (or the bathroom) and reading for a few hours.
The mountain of housework waiting for you after that, though…
Funny. In my house, I’m the healthy one but there’s a hefty amount of blame-shifting that goes on if I think I catch something from Mike. Usually I manage to get off easy but this time I did fall prey to something mysterious!
Pretty sure the bug that has my boys down for the count is H1N1. The “regular” flu hasn’t hit here yet, plus we were able to get the regular flu shot a while ago. I didn’t get H1N1–(too old and probably have some immunity)-but I have been battling a sinus infection and double eye infection. I am holding my breath on the boys getting the secondary crap. It was pretty disconcerting to see my strapping, taller than me, son, with a 103 degree temp! Glad you are on the mend and hope you enjoy that reading!
*smiles*
The 4 of us had H1N1. My son needed antibiotics for an ear infection and pneumonia. We’re all now well, thankfully. Hang in there!
Oh this is funny! I especially like “wonder if Paula Deen, Tom Colicchio or Cesar Milan has had swine flu.” Very very clever.
And I have to say that last part about feeling better and being to read a book is the BEST part. I always always think that being sick will be like some vacation where I can read and lounge around, but when I’m really sick enough to lay around, I can’t enjoy any of those things. But yes, there is that window where you are still “recovering” but feeling human again that is lovely.
Great post. I just embarking on this journey.
Of our family of 6, one is down with flu and strep. Number 2 isn’t feeling well. We’ll see how long the dominoes take to fall.
Ah yes, have done lots of good reading during my illness. It has also been a wonderful excuse to put off cleaning up the leaves in the yard, although now I totally dread it! Have also noticed some signs of secondary sinus infection and bronchitis and eye infection. I just love it (NOT). Hope you all continue to get better, and maybe that your husband can share in your suffering!
I think a good sense of humor helps recovery when we are sick. You definitely have that! This is a great post! Hope you are all feeling 100% soon!
One good plus about getting sick and searching google, is the chance of accumulating SWAGBUCKS. If your doing them.
I’m really glad your feeling better.
Joyful
Joyful´s last post ..Family Corner
I loved this post. It’s good that you could make light of such a crummy situation.
Oh yeah, and I always do that thing where I pretend to be feeling icky for just a few more hours (maybe even a day) so that I get a little time to rest while NOT feeling like death warmed over! (Don’t all moms do that?)
I especially loved your last two. Unfortunately, with six kids and a move in the works, I didn’t get much reading time. Maybe I should fake a relapse once the boxes are mostly unpacked? Isn’t that one of the symptoms, that it returns again? Googling H1N1, recurring symptoms…
Sounds like my house! Except DH got it first. I’m the last – me and baby.
I always find it most helpful if my husband has already had and then I get it. Love the list.
These are all great! I must admit to doing some of these when I’m perfectly healthy
I, too had H1N1. And a secondary sinus infection. I was swabbed so it was painfully confirmed…note* swabbing is very painful and worse when you have a sinus infection! Felt like they needed cells off the back of skull!.
You list was so funny! and eerily like my sick week
Oh and Maybe just clever to fall for it…or too aloof to care LOL.
Glad to hear that your house seems to be getting over the flu! I am praying that our family does not catch it. I have asthma and got the reg. flu shot but I haven’t gotten the H1N1. Both shots are in limited quantities around here to begin with. Our pediatrician doesn’t have any regular flu vaccine for my son and we have been waiting for weeks. I’ve washed my hands and hand sanitized them so much they feel like a lizard! lol
Here’s hoping I won’t need your list this season!