Swine Flu hits home

Well – wow – who would have thunk it? My family was a little ill this weekend with what we thought was the common cold. Kaden seemed to look the worse, and had the worse symptoms. Keagan had a little stomach ache and some sniffling. Jace felt bad all over and was coughing. I just felt a little tired and sore – but other than that – felt fine.

I woke Monday morning feeling much like I do any other Monday morning – like crud. I checked my temperature and it was fine – so off I go to work. Jace had already called in and was planning on taking the kids and herself to the doctor. They were looking a little rough by the time we went to bed.

I got to work and did not feel 100%, but all in all I was ok. Nick mentioned I should go home, being the safety guy he is, and I told him if I felt worse I would. We went to our morning meeting and the boss makes a little announcement about the flu and staying home if your ill. Don’t shake hands, use good hygiene, etc. I worked on some stuff at work and then I got a call from Jace – she stated the doctor said they had the swine flu. I was a little surprised. I thought about it a while and decided I had better call Nick and the boss.

I ended up going home for the rest of the day. I got home to find a pile of medicine, Lysol, cough drops, Sprite, Kleenex, etc. on the table. Looks like we’re ready to roll around with the flu here. So I looked at everyone, and yes they all looked ill. I did not notice any curly pig tails or uncontrollable snorting, so I fugured we had caught this in time.

I went to see the doctor this morning, because I was still feeling a little tired and sore. I had a light fever and a headache – but that was it. So he did some tests, one which consisted of his nurse trying to puncture my brain with a large Q-tip. Sweet Jesus have mercy! That almost hurt!

My test came back negative for the swine flu, however the doctor stated that a lot of the adult tests were showing that. He stated the only accurate test is to send it off to the CDC. Center of Disease Control, which he was not going to do. He told me that my symptoms were in line with that of the flu, and that I was at high risk since the family all has it. He advised me to take some time off and monitor it. If anything changed for the worse to contact him. He stated that you can be contagious for several days before strong symptoms are evident. Take some Tylenol, monitor it, and try not to have much contact with people – that was his orders.

So here I sit, in a house full of sick people, and I guess I am waiting to get sick. I think it is a waste of time, but I do understand the fact of not spreading it anymore than it is being spread now.

I just hope I don’t get any worse than I am now. I also hope that for my family. I would hate for them to end up looking like this family.