I got sick with a flu-like illness almost two weeks ago. I still have a bad cough, and lots of crud in my large airways. It’s very discouraging. I’m tired of feeling like this. Not horrible, but not well.
My cardiologist put on a mask as soon as he entered the exam room this am. I appreciated his care in not spreading germs!
My PA wore a mask also.
I am invited to a preschooler’s birthday party next month. I have to admit that I am less excited about attending this gathering than I was before flu season.
Hanna, wear a pedal mask, with Micky or Minnie. Bring Extras for the kids.
My son has been sick since Sunday, but he doesn’t seem to have the flu, just some nasty cold/virus. He missed school Monday and yesterday but went back today. He came home saying now he has a sore throat.
Just learned from our pharmacist our insurer will only cover ONE course of Tamiflu every 6 months. If you need a 2nd course, it’s all out of your own pocket. 
I think it’s a new rule they made as cost saving measure.
Article about flu activity in Canada:
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2018/02/canadian-data-show-low-flu-vaccine-protection-against-h3n2
my 92 yo mom came down with the flu, hospitalized for 2 nights. She was given 3 doses of Tamiflu at the hospital and needed 2 more taken at home. Since the package comes with 10 pills, the pharmacist recommends that we keep the rest just in case, for ourselves! She was in the isolation unit. I was instructed to put on mask, gown, gloves before coming in the room and no wandering the hallway. We fully stock her apartment with masks, gloves and hand sanitizer and limit visitors.
@ccreader I hope your mom is on the mend.
@romanigypsyeyes Thank you. She was hospitalized out of precaution due to her age. Of course now that she is home, she is anxious to go places. I stay with her to make sure she doesn’t!
I spoke at a college fair last night. When I was meeting families, one mom was like, “No handshakes! Flu season!”
I wish I could have followed her lead…she’s right.
^^ At my church, we have stopped shaking hands (even when “passing the peace of Christ” to one another) until the flu season is over. An elderly member of the congregation died recently, probably due to the flu or complications thereof.
@scout59 - local news reported that some local churches were adopting similar policies.
This is exactly why I’m 100% in favor of getting rid of the stupid handshake tradition.
We could go to a slight bow or even a fist bump. Almost anything is better than a handshake.
Elbow bump transfers even fewer germs and us preferred by several people I know with chronic respiratory issues. It works just fine and the fewer germs shared the better.
Last Thursday, DH and I went to NC to watch the UNC/Duke basketball game with D1 and her SO. We had a great time, until the flight home the next day. The guy sitting next to me was sick: coughing, sneezing, sniffling non-stop, blowing his nose, etc. By the time we landed, I was a nervous wreck. I tried to keep my cardigan over my nose and mouth as much as I could, and turned away from him as much as possible (DH and I were on the aisle seats of the same row). I think I’ve already had one strain of the flu. I don’t want the other one!
Yesterday I went to see I, Tonya. I had reserved a seat on a row with no one on it, but when I got there, the whole row was taken, except for mine, of course. The theater was packed. And yep, the man sitting next to me was sick. I was wearing a sweatshirt, and just kept pulling it up over my nose. I probably looked bizarre, but heck, it was dark, and I do NOT want someone else’s crud!
Crossing my fingers I stay healthy…
I am annoyed at all the hysteria. I am happy to fist bump. Elbow bumping is fine too. But I believe the flu is spread by sneezing, coughing… or just breathing. It is spread through the air, so washing your hands and not touching anything won’t help you, will it?
4,000 Americans are dying per week of the flu this year. It concerns me. I started a new job today where I have to take the bus. Seems like prime flu catching territory. Then my new boss commented that he hadn’t had a flu shot. Sigh. I kept my judgement to myself, but he also commented that several people in the department are out sick with the flu.
My understanding is that it can be airborne OR settle in a surface you then touch.