We Have the Flu. Is it H1N1?

We have the flu. Is it H1N1? Most likely according to the doctors in our area, but we have not been officially diagnosed. “Over 99% of all subtyped influenza A viruses reported to CDC this week (Sept. 27 – Oct. 3) were 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses.”

Here is the family illness timeline:
Son #3 got the flu Oct. 2. Got over it in about 5 days.
Daughter #2 got it Oct. 7. Got over it in about 5 days.
I got it Oct. 13. Daughter #3 got it the day after me.
So far no one in my family has had a critical case. None of us are in the high risk category: pregnant, diabetic, heart disease, asthma, kidney disease, weakened immunue systems. The H1N1 flu shot was limited in our area. Hello, we didn’t have time to get it.

Illness Timeline
Oct. 13 Day 1: tickle in my throat, then sore throat, tired, body aches. Made the mistake to go to the preschool fieldtrip and grocery store because I “didn’t feel so bad.” Sorry everyone I came in contact with.
Oct. 14 Day 2: fever of 99 to 100, congested, sinus headache, body aches, sore throat, coughing. Stayed home. Time to be a responsible adult. 200 kids home ill from our junior high.
Oct. 15 Day 3: body aches, no fever (because on meds), congested, sinus headache, sore throat, coughing, feel yucky, but I can be up more. I am staying home with daughter #3.

Oct. 16 Day 4: woke with fever 99.9 and daughter fever 102. We both are congested, sinus headache and feel lousy. Another day off from school for her. Both of our arms and legs are tired. I have a croopy cough, and chest congestion. Went to bed without a fever. She still had a fever. I know this will end, but it’s sure taking a long time.

Oct. 17 Day 5: woke with no fever. No sinus headache, but still am congested, croopy cough. Arms and legs fatigued. Have diarrhea. Doing simple chores, and resting inbetween. Going to stay off meds today. Seeing the light at the end of this tunnel. Daughter #4, who rarely naps, took a nap at 4 p.m. I took her temperature and it was 101. Daughter #3 has most of her energy back and no fever. I worry the most for my youngest, but so far she is doing fine. I’m keeping her hydrated and on Tylenol. In the evening my temp was up to 99.7. 🙁

Oct. 18 Day 6: I woke without fever. Still congested. Staying off the meds today. Our 4 year-old woke with a fever of 101.7. Day 2 for her. Put her on Tylenol. Her spirits are up. Kids are amazing. Asked the doctor last night about Tamiflu and she thought it would be difficult to get unless we were in the emergency room. So, we are watching our little one for any respiratory problems, and keeping her hydrated. Plenty of DVD’s in this house to keep her happy. It’s amazing how resourceful our digital thermometer has become.

Things I am grateful for. Lots of food (we are hungry instead of nauseous), meds (DayQuil, NyQuil, ibuprofen), cough drops, and kleenex in the house. Ordered pizza last night. Glad I planned on having some items in advance because I do not want to go to the store.

What do I wish I had had more of? DVD’s. TV is pretty boring these days. I’m tired of watching everyone remodel their kitchen or hear about a national health plan.

Advice? STAY HOME! FOR AT LEAST 24 HOURS AFTER FEVER IS GONE. (Fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine)

What are “emergency warning signs” that should signal anyone to seek medical care urgently?
In children:

•Fast breathing or trouble breathing
•Bluish skin color
•Not drinking enough fluids
•Not waking up or not interacting
•Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
•Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
•Fever with a rash

In adults:

•Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
•Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
•Sudden dizziness
•Confusion
•Severe or persistent vomiting

More information on H1N1

If you or a family member has the flu, please comment on how you are coping, and any other tips. Thanks.