Two nights ago I woke up in the middle of the night to Miss L coughing in her crib. I stumbled out of bed half-asleep with one thought in mind - swine flu! I don't know if anyone else is as paranoid as I am about this latest pandemic. Luckily it looks like Miss L has a seasonal cold, just a runny nose and cough. No fever or vomiting. Whew! Isn't funny how things can seem so much worse in the middle of the night?
I was amazed at how little information was posted online about the swine flu. As soon as I heard there were confirmed cases in Queens I went to the CDC's website to find only a reference to an outbreak in Wisconsin in the 1980's. I hope they have updated it since I last looked a week ago.
I need practical information - how it is different from the seasonal flu, how long is one contagious, how to treat children under the age of 2, etc.
After another night of coughing (and my late night hysteria) I checked Tribeca Pediatrics website this morning. I found an informative, thoughtful letter from Dr. Cohen, which eased my fears and made me feel better informed and prepared. I hope you find it helpful too!
Oh that picture is so funny!! I am sitting here chuckling away.
ReplyDeleteI must say that with Master R sick this week the thought of Swineflu did enter my mind. But he hasn't been anywhere to contract it so I'm putting it down to a seasonal cold/flu. He's much better today so I'll even take him to nursery for a couple of hours so he doesn't forget what it's like.
Hope Miss L feels better soon. xx
From what I've read, the best advice is the simplest: wash your hands, avoid crowded places with people coughing, and seek immediate attention if you're sick.
ReplyDeleteOn the scale of things to worry about, I'd put this below being hit by a cyclist on the West Side Highway!
Maybe I've got piggy flu? I've been sick for over a week now and I actually think it's getting worse. Can't stop coughing and my poor nose is peeling from blowing it.
ReplyDeleteI also thought I had SARS given that Mr M had just returned from Toronto during the outbreak and then I got sick a couple of days later. Called the special hotline and they said I couldn't have it for some reason that I now forget.
Maybe I'm just a hypochondriac? Maybe I'm just really run down and need a break. Somewhere warm. Hint hint hint to Mr M who is ignoring my pleading.