Fighting the Flu

It’s that wonderful time of year – flu season!  Yuck!  Not only is it horrible for the child (or adult) who is achy, feverish, and throwing up, but for the parent (or person) who comes in to clean it up.  I’ve cleaned up so much vomit in the past few days that I’m starting to dream about it.  Yuck!

Last night, my 7 year old was up ALL NIGHT long throwing up.  I was exhausted – getting only 2 hours of sleep.  He woke up at 1:30 in the morning and several times after that.  When he woke up the first time, he was headed to the bathroom and almost made it.  What a mess!  Poor guy!  Let’s just say that we won’t be having turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes and gravy for a while – ugghh!!  The night before, my 4 year old was throwing up – that turned me off from spaghetti and cherry pie.  Today, my 2 year old was throwing up.  Fortunately, his wasn’t as bad.  However, he did start to get annoyed when I wouldn’t stop following him with a trash can and tried to get him to carry it around with him wherever he went in the house.

When you have the flu, food is the LAST thing on your mind.  Nothing smells or sounds good.  However, your body needs food to create energy to fight the flu bug.  So, to help fight the flu, be sure to follow the BRAT diet.  BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Apples, and Toast.  This is what our pediatrician suggested to us.  He also suggested crushed ice (to prevent dehydration if water isn’t staying down) and sherbet ice cream.  My only dislike about sherbet is the staining it can cause when it comes back up.  If you choose one, choose a flavor that isn’t bright in color. You can also try other treatments like ozone therapy in Hollywood, FL for hydration and nutrients.

If you have to travel somewhere (like to the doctor), be sure to bring an extra set of clothes and a small trash can or Ziploc storage bag for your child to throw up in while in the car.  After throwing up, I find it helpful to put the child in a warm bath and let them soak for a while.  It relaxes the child and gets the throw up smell off.  Plus, a wet washcloth on the forehead helps a lot.  Oh and here is a tip I learned today.  Hold the damp (wrung out) washcloth in your hand and twirl it.  This cools it down!  Crazy, huh?

PS  Just in case you were wondering, the flu shot DOES NOT prevent the Stomach Flu (according to our Pediatrician).  The Flu Shot actually prevents a Respiratory Flu – boo!  So be sure to wash your hands frequently!