Germs, Germs Go Away..

There has been a delay in posting lately. Mostly because we celebrated Halloween with what we thought was, but turned out not to be, the H1N1 virus. Just another seasonal flu I guess. The third in six weeks. At least we had everything we needed this time at home and didn't have to go to the store or pharmacy once. It sure takes a lot out of a Mom being sick and caring for sick children.
I came across this and thought my readers would be interested. A pregnant friend of mine mentioned she was using something similar. It claims to be able to protect you against 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, molds, etc, for up to 24 hours with one spray. You can read more about this product here. Has anyone used something like this? Did you think it was effective? I think I am willing to give it a try. Especially after a week like this one.
Want some too? Buy it here.

Health Map

I came across this link this spring. I think it is so interesting. It is a map that pinpoints unusual health concern trends across the globe. Currently it claims the biggest unexpected health concern in my area is Ecoli. Obsessed as I am I actually check areas before I travel there to see what I can stress about while on vacation. What is going on in your area?

School Supplies for Sick Campuses

Most families sent their college kids off to school last week. They carefully helped them stuff their car with new dishes, desk lamps, and school supplies. According to this article it looks like perhaps a thermometer should have been included in the packing since 2000 students at Washington State are infected with the swine flu as well as thousands elsewhere. Turns out This might be the perfect gift to send in a package to the collegiates in our lives.

I actually own this Braun Thermoscan and I love it. My toddler actually enjoys having her temperature taken and I can be confident that it is correct.

Who is at risk for H1N1

A new CDC study shows that school age children with a pre existing neurological disorder are the most likely to die from the new virus H1N1. Read more about the statistics and why this is unusual compared to the every year flu here.

Swine Flu Updates

I read an article this week that the CDC was estimating 90,000 deaths this flu season in the US due to swine flu. A number to warrant some concern as this is double the normal about of individuals who die from flu each year. However when I went to find the story to post, it had been removed. All I could find was this.
Their numbers apparently had people in a panic- as people (*like myself) tend to do- so they are back treading on their number. Either way- I would still recommend the FLU STOCK UP ASAP.

Flu Ready

Back in the Spring with the H1N1 virus made its first appearance- I hurried out like the smart woman that I am and stocked up on everything I thought we would need if we came down with the flu. In my mind I pictured sick angry shoppers fighting over the last bottle of children's Tylenol. I didn't want to be stuck in that kind of situation. So I made a list and stocked up. Thought we would be ready for sure.
Several months have passed now and SURPRISE! A practice run just for us. My daughter caught the regular stomach flu and has been recovering from it all week. There is no epidemic here, so the Saltines and Gatorade at my grocer are plentiful, but it still would have been easier to not have to go to the store twice.
Here is what the CDC recommends you store. Click here

Real life experiment
Here is what we used this week (with one child with the flu)

3 containers of Gatorade- I would store 12 or more for the family
1 container of pediatlight- I would store 4 or more
2 extra cases of wipes
1 extra box of diapers- they go fast
1 can of Lysol- I would store 6
1 extra bottle of laundry soap-
3 cans of soup- I would store 14 for the family
4 litters of 7-up
1 package of Popsicle
1 box of Saltines- I would store at least 3 for the family
thermometer- I really like my ear scan
Children's Tylenol- I would store at least one extra unopened per child
Children's Ib Profen
Vaseline and cotton - for sore bums
Straws, toys, special cups and other bribes to get my child to drink
Pro biotic- recommended by our GP
1 bottle of hand sanitizer- I would store five

This is what we used and needed with one two year old with the flu (most diahrea with a high fever). Obviously this should be adjusted to fit your family.

I have also stored
Lysol wipes and N95 masks neither which we used this week, would be needed if an epidemic were to occur.

Get your supplies now so you aren't standing at the store ill or out of luck because everyone in town got there first.

When I went to get n95 masks there were none for purchase in my entire city- of course we only have two grocery stores and a Walgreens. it is a small town, but I would venture to say you will have a hard time finding them in a store.

You can buy them online.
I ordered mine and they were delivered quickly, but I suspect that as the colder months creep closer it will take longer so I would order quickly to be sure to have them by flu season.