Preparing for H1N1 or Swine Flu

As a parent of four children I have been watching as schools begin to open around the country. With a family of six, the odds are that someone in my large family will bring home the flu bug soon after school starts, or possibly later in the winter months.

I've read articles and watched the news for ideas about how to prepare. Our schools have sent home a letter indicated hand washing is a priority. Seriously, I felt that more preparation is in order.

The first step is to review your circumstances. In my situation, I have a healthy family with children that are school age. The information out there states that the H1N1 flu affects younger children more severely because they have no natural immunity. But with a healthy child it should run it's course in about 2 weeks.

It would not be a good idea to overwhelm doctors offices and clinics for normal flu symptoms. Fevers, diarrhea, throwing up, and body aches are all a normal reaction to a nasty flu bug. I feel that I won't need to worry unless the a fever stays at 103 or goes higher. I would prefer to keep my children home. If they don't have the Swine flu already, they would run an even higher chance of catching it in the waiting room at the doctor's office!
I inventoried our supply of fever reducers and purchased enough to last each family member for 10 days. I also did the same with congestion medicine as the common cold will probably be around the corner also. I want to stay out of those aisles at the supermarket this winter!

We pulled out our humidifiers and have a fresh bottle of menthol to put in the warming cup for at least 2 sick rooms if I have more than one child ill.

The next step was to review bedding. In our home, when someone is throwing up, we certainly go through a lot of blankets. I've made sure that all beds are made up with minimal bedding, just enough to sleep comfortably. All other blankets are laundered, folded and up on a shelf for easy access if a crises should arise. Most of these are located in the younger children's bedrooms, and I've also included a small stack of towels on the top shelf in the closet with the blankets. Towels work very well on the edge of the bed and one spread on the floor under a pan when a child is throwing up.

I've purchased extra supplies of laundry supplies for the possible influx of bedding and towels to be washed. As well as extra cleaning supplies. I tend to favor Vinegar as it is non-toxic, inexpensive and easy to clean with.
Food supplies is another area you want to be prepared with. I have a good supply of Chicken Noodle soup, Ramen Noodles, canned fruits on hand. I've stocked my freezer with an extra supply of bread, mild juices and Popsicles that might set well with sick children and help keep them hydrated if they are sick to their stomach or feverish.

We've also taken the opportunity to freeze a weeks worth of meals that we can pop into the fridge or microwave easily that are a bit smaller than a full family dinner. These will help keeping the healthy side of your family fed and well while you focus on the ones in needs.

Last but not least, you will also want to look at your stash of things to do while in bed. If you can tuck away a movie or two, perhaps a couple kids workbooks from the local Dollar Store, perhaps a few simple craft projects, a new doll or stuffed animal...your sanity level will be much better as you can dole these items out as your child improves and starts to feel better, but just isn't quite ready to head back to school!