How to: Deal with the Flu

Is it Monday already? *waves* Hi there, good people of the blogosphere! Holy crap did I ever have one helluva week. Tuesday, I woke up feeling like death warmed over. It's been a fight since then. I've decided that I'm never getting sick ever again, there's just too much to do in a week, and I can't be missing work, so wish me luck with that. I finally feel kind of human, so today's post is tongue-in-cheek about how to care for yourself when you catch the flu. Because I missed some days posting (which sucks because my posts were all planned out), I'll be doing a quick adjustment to my lineup for the next couple of weeks. Ready to dive into today? Grab your coffee, and let's get going!

Here are the steps to take when you have the flu:

• See your doctor and get tested so you can get the good meds, but please, wear a mask when you go out of the house.
• Crash in bed, and don't get up unless the house is on fire or you realllllly have to pee.
• Send someone out for medication to alleviate the symptoms; make sure you have something for fevers.
• Drink a LOT of water. Not only will this help you stay hydrated, it'll also help keep your fever down.
• Find a new show and binge-watch it.
• Don't plan to cook or clean or do anything but lie in bed.
• Have soup.
• Sleep as much as you can. Sleep helps your body worry about fighting off the flu rather than keeping your daily body in balance.
• Be prepared to suffer alone. No one wants to catch what you have, so help them help you. Limit your activity in your home, and use lots and LOTS of anti-bacterial stuff on surfaces.

I know all that seems like no-brainer stuff, but you wouldn't believe the folks out there trying to work while they're sick. Take the time off. You'll get better faster.

This year, the flu seems to present itself differently for everyone, so here are some signs to watch out for:

• Vomiting. Not just mild nausea, I'm talking full-on, bowl-hugging, seeing-everything-you've-eaten-for-a-week vomiting (this is how my husband's started).
• Headache. Like someone is splitting your head open with an axe (this is how mine started).
• Chills. Your whole body feels like one big nerve on edge.
• Fever. You'll know you have a fever when you get cold/chilly.
• Sore Throat. As though you've swallowed a piece of sandpaper that won't go down.
• Cough. Hacking-up-a-lung coughing (this is how my daughter's started).
• Body Aches. Every muscle hurts.
• Sneezing. Uncontrollable, with or without a stuffy nose.

Now, not everyone has all of these symptoms when they catch the flu. My daughter had no chills or fever, but she nearly coughed up a lung. My husband never got a cough, but he sneezed like crazy. I only had chills and fever and body aches. So, no matter what symptoms you have, start at the doctor!

This flu is nothing to play around with, y'all. And if you start wheezing, go to the ER or UrgentCare.

Did any of you come down with the crud? Did you have symptoms not listed here? How did yours present?

Help folks out and post your story in the comments below!

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo