The irony of this post is not lost on me. Initially I wrote this on ways our family prevents the flu, since I can’t remember the last time any of us have been sick. And then I went to the Opryland Hotel for a conference and came home with the worst case of the flu I have ever had. Mommas aren’t allowed to get sick, and yet, it took me down and I am still down (4 days and counting.)
The only benefit that came from this week, was the creation of my “flu basket.” After continually attempting to get my children to bring me certain items, I finally gathered them in one basket so that each item was at my finger tips. My favorite All You magazine, TV remote, phone, water bottle, Kleenex and TP (the tiny tissues just weren’t cutting it, so they just handed me the whole roll ;), hand sanitizer and chap-stick were all necessities.
So what flu prevention did I NOT do which allowed my immune system to be susceptible to such a nasty flu strain?
Here are my top five things to do if you WANT to get the flu.
- Don’t get the recommended amount of sleep. When you let your body get worn down, you will be susceptible.
- Stop taking your multi vitamins. By forgetting to take your vitamins, it allows the virus more room to roam and infiltrate your whole body.
- Eat junk food and avoid fresh produce. By filling your body with junk, it will surely help defeat your immune system.
- Stop drinking water. Because we all know when we get dehydrated it does wonders for our digestive system.
- Shake hands, cough into your hands, and sample foods without washing them each time.
I exaggerate to make a point, but after the week I have had, I do not wish this on anyone. I know the combination of all the above factors lead to my demise, but being in a conference center with thousands of people surely didn’t help.
Are there specific things you do during this season to avoid the flu?
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Vitamin D3 and elderberry syrup daily, more when actively fighting something. No way to save much money on these since I believe high quality vitamins are essential – otherwise it’s a waste of money. You can make elderberry syrup but I’ve not tried that. I’m worried about making sure it has enough of the active ingredient to be beneficial. No sense “saving money” if it doesn’t work as well. 😉 This in addition to the other common sense stuff. Hope you’re better soon!!
Oh, I completely agree with investing in the quality vitamins from the health food store. Absolutely.
I agree with this too. Also, Yogi tea makes a good cold season tea, with a little bit of raw honey. A neti pot is also a very good thing for sinus stuff. (A little 4-way nasal spray doesn’t hurt either.)
Praying for you, girl! I came back from Blissdom only to find my two little boys have the flu too and it stinks. Hope you feel better soon!!
This time of year I take probiotics every day. When you do get hit (ESP if it’s coming out both ends) you recover so much faster. During the summer I take them about 3-4 times per week. They really help keep your immune system revved up, and my kids take them also. Get well soon!
As a nurse, my first piece of advice is to get the flu vaccine every year. Other ways of staying healthy include: frequent and judicious hand-washing; couhing or sneezing into your sleeve instead of your hand; eating nutritiously; getting enough sleep; staying away from people exhibiting signs and symptoms of flu and cold; staying home when you are sick so you don’t get anyone else sick; drinking at least 2 cups of Korean ginseng tea each day; taking 1000units of Vit. D each day.
I get an annual flu shot.
One of our family members if violently allergic to the flu shot, so none of us get it. I hit the gym 6 days a week, wash my hands like a maniac, drink lots of water, and try never to touch any part of my face unless I’ve just washed my hands. And if I’m in a store and hear someone cough or sneeze, I turn around and go the other way.
My #1 rule…..wash your hands before you eat anything. Also, we don’t drink from public water fountains from October through April. It means carrying a lot of water bottles (kids are on lots of sports teams) but the potential germs/virues lurking there……ewwwww!
we always have on hand, Oscillococcinum, by Boiron. It is a homeopathic remedy for the flu. As soon as I feel fluish, i pull it out and start taking it every 1 to 2 hours. No side effects and nips the flu in the bud, very quickly!! i always have it on hand!!
In addition to all the hand washing, etc…Sambucol really helps our family. I was actually taking some last night! (www.sambucol.com)
Hi Jen,
I’m a loonnnggg time lurker, but I had to comment on this one! First, I’m so sorry you are sick! And secondly, I feel your pain. For the first time in literally years I’m sick too. Waahh. My husband got sick first, and I think a lack of sleep from hearing him coughing at night, plus pushing myself too hard on the exercising is what did me in. I eat healthfully and drink lots of water, so that’s all I can figure.
I hope you feel better real soon – and I love your blog. 🙂
Carol
We’ll commiserate together and pray that no one else gets it. I wish pushing myself on the exercising was my excuse because that would almost be worth it. 😉
I got a flu shot earlier this year and I constantly wash my hands!
I feel your pain, Jenn. I got it 9 days ago and am only now starting to feel more like myself. You have to get lots and lots of rest or you won’t be any good for your family. My house is a mess but who cares. I am getting back little by little and the house will wait.
So nice to meet you at Blissdom, but hate to hear you got sick! It was definitely a breeding ground for sickness. Very thankful I had my flu shot now. All the best in a speedy recovery.
I hope you feel better soon! Having the flu is the worst…especially when you’ve been gone. I’m so glad I got to meet you last week and hope that you’re on the mend soon!
No ideas on prevention, other than the ones above. BUT, should you come down with it (or your family, after being exposed to you), Oscillo is the greatest thing since sliced bread. It’s homeopathic, and completely relieves the symptoms of flu. Now, it does not cure it – it’s not Tamiflu – but my son woke up achy, feverish, yukky (in other words, flu-ish), and I started him on Oscillo. In just several hours, he felt FINE. He still had flu, but no symptoms. Hubby & I went on Tamiflu just so we wouldn’t get it, but Oscillo rocks! I found it locally, but you can go to http://www.oscillo.com and find it at a store near you.
Praying you feel better. I too got hit in the beginning of January & was down & out for 4 days. I’m an AIS Teacher’s Assistant & work with our whole 6th grade this year (about 150+ kids). I did get my flu shot, faithfully take herbs & try to get enough sleep & hydrate myself – all that everyone has mentioned. Including hand sanitizer (I keep planning on taking stock out at Bath & Body Works I use so much… lol).
What I’ve found that has helped ‘protect’ me from the majority of stuff out there is rubbing Medieval Mix Essential Oil (also known as 40 Thieves Oil) on the bottoms of my feet each day before I put my socks on. I also take immune boosting herbs like Cat’s Claw (Una de Gato) and one called Broncholair by Solaray that has successfully helped me NOT get bronchitis for the past two years. I too have Sambucus – a black elder berry syrup that I take occasionally.
Okay, I too went to the Opryland hotel and withing 12 hours was sicker than a dog. I have read recently a few facts. Doorknobs are the worst germ holders. They can harbor germs for 18 hours. And when a person sneezes the germs can travel 6 feet. Also people are most contagious within the 1st three days of a cold, and anytime someone has a fever.
I also heard a news report that stated that (the 18 hour fact) Airplanes are the worst for germs, especially the pocket that holds the magazines that sits right in front of you. Eww! Yuck. Get out the Hand sanitizer.
What do I do to prevent the flu? PRAY! Seriously, whenever there is a flu outbreak, I start praying. My youngest can’t get the flu vaccine because of allergies and every year, I’m on my knees begging for health.
Otherwise, I do my best to keep things clean. Disinfectant wipes are my friend anytime viruses are active.
So Sorry to hear you have the flu.I’m sure the crazy weather is not helping. Hope you are well soon. Linda
UP THE UNITS IN VITAMIN C,LYSOL EVERYTHING, CLOROX WIPES ON EVERYTHING. DIAL SOAP AND SANITIZER FOR HANDS. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER AND UP THE PROTEIN IN YOUR DIET!! THAT IS WHAT I DO!!
I hope you feel better soon. Boil some apple skins, add lemon & honey drink. It might make you sleepy, but it’s good.
Oh Jen – I am so sorry you are sick! I hope you are improving each day and will soon be restored to full health. It must be very hard when you are so unaccustomed to being ill. I enjoyed all of your flu prevention tips – so important. Your commenters have added so much as well – great tips and ideas.
I do have to say though that Mommy’s are allowed to get sick, and if you choose a different perspective, illness can be such a blessing. First of all, you are not indispensable – your family will survive while you are laid aside. In fact, it is an opportunity for them to turn the tables and be a blessing to you. All of the those nurturing muscles we strive to instill in our children need occasional exercise to grow strong! We have seen so many wonderful character traits grow in our children during our journey with chronic illness. Our children have learned that we make plans, but God orders our days. We have seen compassion, selflessness and contentment flourish as a result of this season of my ongoing health struggle.
Secondly, illness is a gift of compulsory stillness and quiet – and there is no better time to hear the still small voice of God than when you have nothing else to distract or busy you. If you choose to use this time of illness to understand your frailty and deepen your walk with the Lord, than every pain and misery will be worth it. Instead of choosing to seek mindless entertainment to pass the hours while laid aside, choosing to pray, meditate on the Word and worship leads to sweet blessing.
Lastly, illness is the very best reason to find thanksgiving in wellness! There have been times when just for a few minutes I have been without pain and without fatigue – they are precious – breathtakingly beautiful moments. I often forget how good it feels to be well, to have full health and strength. It is a gift we take for granted, far too often!
When you are well again, please do a little happy dance and rejoice.
oh Heather – I needed to read this five days ago. You have such wisdom in this. Thank you!
What a timely post. So sorry the germs found you. Here’s to spring arriving soon.