4 humans, 1 flu, 1 week. This sickness caught us off guard and was ready to rumble. It started with our toddler and then we all went down like Dominoes. Because I feel that all experiences (good and bad) have wisdom and beauty to offer, yes I said beauty, I’m going to share them with you. Here we go…
Lesson 1. Take Your Parenting “A game” and Throw it out of the Window.
Now is not the time to work on tantrums with your toddler, counting to five, or timeout. I mean, don’t let them turn into monsters but keep in mind that they are sick. We’re talking aches all over, fever, can’t keep anything down kind of sick. Expect them to be impatient, whiny, and basically just falling apart. Take a breath and remind yourself it’s only for a time and pray for patience and compassion for the tiny humans.
Lesson 2. Give Yourself a Break
Now is the time to prioritize. Dishes, vacuuming, these are the types of tasks to put at the bottom. Leave space at the top of your list for cuddling, hydrating (them and you), and watching ridiculous amounts of Disney Junior. Soak up the moments when they are still, laying on your chest, and totally dependent on your love and care. This is the beauty I was talking about. Dont miss it. Remember that there will be days when your house is spotless (maybe) and you have endless amounts of time to clean. First things first.
Lesson 3. Utilize Your Resources.
This may mean asking Grandma to help out with one who isn’t sick (thanks mom). Or it could mean finding the best delivery options for a healthy dinner (assuming someone in the house has an appetite). FYI, Publix makes a yummy chicken noodle soup with disposable containers, utensils, and free crackers. Make that one trip to the grocery store count. Make a list and buy more than you think you will need. You never know how long those pesky germs will stick around.
Lesson 4. My Personal Thoughts on Tamiflu
I’m not that mama that flippantly gives her children medicine. When possible, and safe, I try to naturally boost the immune system to help it beat the sickness on it’s own. So when the Dr. suggested Tamiflu (an antiviral), a somewhat new medicine, I was skeptical. But, I read that when given within the first day or two it can shorten the length of the flu’s reign (by a day). So we did it. On the first night our little guy had a few hallucinations, which was scary, but that was the extent of the side effects. Overall, his flu lasted about a week. After reading more on the side effects, and the somewhat sketchy studies done on Tamiflu, I would opt out on our next tango with the flu. FYI, Tamiflu doesn’t work by killing the virus. It works by stopping the virus from spreading (assuming you start taking it before it has already spread). If you do decide to take Tamiflu (liquid) be prepared to mix it with something to negate the nasty chalk like taste. I can now make a mean Tamiflu cocktail.
Recipe:
5ml of Tamiflu mixed with 1/2 cup 0f lemonade, sweetened with stevia, stirred, and served neat with a straw. Seriously, this stuff is nasty and if you want your kids to go anywhere near it, mix it.
If you’re into oils and other natural options, the flu is definitely the time to use everything in your Hippie tool belt. We used Theives (Young Living brand) diluted with coconut oil on everyone’s feet. A natural anti-viral with no side effects. We also ran our diffuser with oils that purify the air. Our diet was mostly fresh foods that help the body (fruits and veggies flavored with seasonings like garlic and onion that help fight viruses). We also bought premade fruit and veggie smoothies. I knew I wouldn’t have much energy to make our own.
Lesson 5. Find Time to De-Stress
I found that if I would just take a few minutes in between being the pharmacist, the janitor, the comforter, the cook, and just step outside and breathe, it would help keep the moodiness at bay. Being stuck inside for a week can wreak havoc on your mental state. So maybe you and the hubs take turns catching a quick nap (depending on who is the sickest) or if you’re feeling fancy, an actual bath, just do something to give yourself a timeout. Your running this sick ward and your family needs a nurse that isn’t on her breaking point. Good luck and happy healing!
