Last Tuesday, we were all at the Alexanders' house, hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Tiffany and cousins Bailey and Christopher, and nothing was amiss. Before we left that afternoon, I noticed that Zoe felt a little warm, but wrote it off as paranoia. When we got home, she had a temperature around 99.5-ish. I didn't freak out, because it could have been anything.
By Wednesday night, she was in misery, coughing up her lungs and running temps between 103 and 104, and I knew something was not right. She and I sat up most of the night together, rocking and crying. Neither of us could sleep. I hardly ever take my kids to the doctor for viral illnesses, because I know there's nothing they can do, but I made Zoe an appointment for Thursday afternoon. I'm so glad I did.
The diagnosis? Zoe tested positive for Influenza A.
Nasty little things, aren't they?
My next phone call was to my OB, because I was already developing a cough and starting to feel fatigued. We were both given prescriptions for Tamiflu, because we're both in the "high-risk" category. I drove home in a stupor, trying not to pass out. By dinnertime, I was completely sick. Thursday night was horrible.
By Saturday, Zoe and I were both feeling lots better. She was doing so well that she was able to go to church on Sunday without any problems. Ethan, in the meantime, had started running a high fever, so he stayed home with me.
As I type this, Ethan still has a low-grade temperature, but seems to be fine otherwise. Nicholas and Nathan remain unscathed, thank goodness. I think we're going to make it!
The worst thing about all this was that I didn't even realize that Zoe was sick when we were around other family members on Tuesday and we exposed them all to the flu. My mother in-law got it almost immediately; my sister in-law a few days later. Worst of all, my six month-old nephew went to the doctor on Sunday with symptoms, and he has it, too! Poor baby. I really, really hope that this is the end of it. I did not mean to start an Alexander family epidemic! I feel like such a jerk.
So, wash your hands, people, be sure to stay away from those that are sick, and get your booty to the doctor if you're feeling ill. It is not a pleasant experience.
*Side note: I would like to thank the developers and manufacturers of Tamiflu. I love you. This was the easiest flu I've ever had.
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