This house is quarantined

My fingers and toes are crossed that we’re approach the end of this year’s cold and flu season. After a few mild flu seasons, this year’s was a doozy. From congestion, coughing, and runny nose to fever, headaches, muscle aches and total exhaustion, my family had it all and so did everyone else’s. All my mom friends are reporting one of the most horrific flu seasons since having kids.

All parents know that kids are little germ factories and when you have a room full of kids who like to share EVERYTHING, of course they’re going to bring those germs home. Especially when some parents send their kids to daycare or school after they’ve barfed or woken up with a fever. Seriously, keep your kids at home if they’re not well. Not only will teachers and other parents thank you, your kids will be much happier at home snuggling their mommies and daddies.

With my daughter in J.K. and my son at daycare, we expected to have a few bouts with the flu, but nothing prepared us for this season. I don’t remember a single weekend since Christmas, where all of us were germ-free. Oh and don’t forget about the dreaded stomach flu. One weekend in February was spent doing multiple loads of laundry, spontaneous bath times, and ensuring there were bowls being carried around … just in case!

I’m not one to medicate quickly and I’ve never had the flu shot or allowed my children to get it, but I may seriously consider it next year. I know the flu vaccine does not prevent the common cold, but it does protect against the horrific influenza. My kids are troopers when it comes to needles, but for those kids (and adults) who have an aversion to needles, the flu vaccine is now available as a nasal spray.

For now, we’re going to ride out the remaining flu season with a freezer stocked full of popsicles and frozen yogurt tubes for sooth sore throats, a closet full of Kleenex and a pantry full of herbal tea and of course children’s Tylenol.  And don’t forget the cuddles! It doesn’t matter how old your kids are – when they’re sick all they want to do is cuddle.