The above image is what the influenza type A cells look like. That is what's attacking my children right now. I hate those cells.
The Flu (or influenza) is running it's course in our house. Lakshmi woke up Wednesday night with a high fever (103.4 I think) and feeling very bad. She came to my room and slept with me for the rest of the night.
Thursday she had a fever on and off all day, but she played inside quietly, slept on her bed sometimes and nibbled on food. Last night (Thursday night) she woke up in the middle of the night crying and disoriented, and I checked her fever. It was 104.2 and rising. I had just given her Tylenol about 3 1/2 hours before, and she was already having another high fever. I called my mom and woke her up at 3:15am and asked her what I should do, and we talked about the fact that her fever was coming up before her meds had worn off, and then Lakshmi cryed again and said she had a headache. I decided that we needed to get some help.
I took her to the ER where they got her fever down a bit. They also tested her for the flu and strep, since she had both symptoms. The test came back positive for type A flu. There is nothing that can be done for type A flu, but to keep her fever down, and keep her hydrated. The strep came back negative fortunately.
She has thrown up several times through this, and I feel so very bad for her. She completely soiled her sheets and blankets this evening, while throwing up her medicine. I used a small amount of ice in a soak, at her forehead, neck and her wrist, and I got her fever down to 103, but she still refused to take more fever reducer. She slept for 2 hours, fitfully, and finally woke up. She was thirsty and I gave her some gatoraid mix with water, which she drank. Then I explained to her gently if she couldn't keep her medicine down, I'd have to try suppositories. She was like, "Absolutely not!". LOL She sat up and took her medicine without crying, and I was relieved. I hated to gently threaten her, but I care more about her fever and health right now, than her wishes. I have spent several hours today wiping her forehead and neck with a wash cloth as I remember how good that felt to me as a child, whenever I was sick.
She is sleeping now. Ravi and Priya both have high fevers too, but they are (thankfully) not throwing up. The house is unusally quiet and I am very very tired from two nights of missing my sleep. I layed down for 5 minutes today just before Lakshmi threw up. I hope that everyone is asleep for the night, but I will sleep with one eye open.
Knowing how very sick I get whenever I get a virus, Priya asked me if I would get it too, and if I got it, would I be too sick to take care of them. Poor baby. I've been holding kids all day, and my muscles ache. I was looking forward to a long hot soak in the tub this weekend, and now I need it even more, but it doesn't look like I will get that. This is the weekend that Ravi and Lakshmi are supposed to go to their dads, but with the flu, he really didn't want them to come. LOL
The doctor says the flu could last for 7 - 10 days. Their dad tried the "Let's Make a Deal" game with me, to see if he didn't get them this weekend, that he could have them next weekend. He manipulated me heavily over the phone. I don't plan to make "deals" with him, over sick kids! Please.
Jyotsna
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