Cold & Flu Season

This is the worst time of year for me.  Any heart family or mama with an "at risk" child understands exactly what I mean while the rest of the world gets to be a little more "carefree".  You see I hear the word "flu" and want to board up my house and keep my kids far far from you.  The flu terrifies me.  It can knock down a healthy adult for days and will without a doubt land Stephen in the hospital.  Last year when Stephen had a fever he was sent to the ER to make sure it wasn't the dreaded flu...not the common protocol for most children.  I hated every minute of it.  He had to be held down screaming as they took blood, x-rays, urine, ect.  It broke my heart watching him go through it and I want to do everything within my power to keep him from having to go through it again.  And that was just when they thought he might have the flu...having it would be a whole other story.  While the flu can be serious even in people who are otherwise healthy, it can be especially dangerous for Stephen as he falls into the category that is at "high risk for serious flu complications".

So in an effort to protect our little guy and others like him I thought I would help educate readers   =0)
Here is a little information from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention...

How does the flu spread?

"People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose."
(I found it interesting that it can spread by just talking.  So many people think they are fine if they just don't cough on people and stand back...not true!)

How long can a sick person spread the virus to others?

"Most healthy adults may be able to infect other people beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than 7 days.  Symptoms start 1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Some people can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those persons may still spread the virus to others."

(Extra sucky...people are contagious for 7 days!  I mean it is hard to get people to stay home when they have a fever let alone once they "feel better")

By no means do I actually expect people to stay home for a week when they are sick (though it would help)...but I wanted to take the time to inform people of just how contagious the flu is and that there are people out there who are at a much higher risk of severe complications.  The standing doctor orders are for our entire family to not to be around anyone who is sick with the flu or even anyone who has been around someone who is sick with the flu as they can be carrying the virus and can be contagious before symptoms arise. While I would prefer to be a little more carefree I am happy to be a germaphobe if it keeps my little guy healthy.   

So please pray that we can avoid flu as they have already said it is going to be a rough season.  I know God is in control and I am grateful that I have my precious man to be protective of =0)  
And say a pray for Pastor Charlie.  We worked with him and his wife Elaine during our short year in Carlsbad.  He is in the ICU on a ventilator from H1N1...something I am sure they never expected.  The flu this year is no joke.  So please pray that Charlie makes a full recovery and pray for peace and strength for Elaine during such a scary time.

And this cold & flu season see what you can do to spread the love...not the germs!

Much Love,

Kim