Sharing the Wisdom

Over this last year, it seems as though our family has been afflicted with the stomach flu more than our fair share. In the last 3 months it has hit our home 5 times. Not fun. Since I'm somewhat of a "Pollyana" I like to try and find the positives. So, because we've had this so often, I've learned a lot on how to handle and be prepared for these situations. I thought I'd share some of this wisdom....

What you will need:

1. Lysol, Lysol, Lysol....Not only does it help kill the germs before spreading to the next victim, it helps cover up the vomit smell that seems to take over your home.

2. Antibacterial soap- no explanation needed

3. Antibacterial hand gel- just in case you're a bit worried the soap didn't cut it and you need an extra barrier of protection and also for those times you need a quick cleanse.

4. Super thick hand lotion (next to the hand gel)- add a squirt after the hand gel so you don't end up with dry, scaly hands from all the alcohol rub your drenching your hands in.

5. Paper towels- keep a roll everywhere for those quick mouth wipes after an episode and to also stuff in the bottom of a "puke" bowl. This takes care of the splattering issue and makes clean up much easier after bowl is put to use.

6. Puke bowl- Very important that you always have a bowl handy in very close proximity to the spewing child. Even if you don't catch the first part, you can catch the rest, resulting in less mess. As stated above, stuff paper towels in the bottom of it :).

7. Pedialyte, water, saltines, bread....that will be their diet for the duration of the illness

8. Small plastic grocery bags- These are important (along with the paper towels) in cleaning up after a "spill". Also good to place over your hand while picking up the solid portions of the "spill", again with the paper towels.


What to do:

1. Remove all solid portions from laundry prior to washing, otherwise you end up with a mess when transferring to the drier.

2. If your kid has it coming out both ends and they are potty trained...for heaven's sake, let them wear a pull-up all day or just throw the undies away. Don't add anymore to your increased laundry load than you have to.

3. Let your kiddo only have a few sips of water at a time. They will want to gulp it down b/c they are so thirsty, but this will only stimulate another episode. Much better to wait until the vomiting has subsided, then let them chug all they want. Better to absorb a few sips than for it to all come back out, ya know?

4. Now, if you and your husband should both come down with it at the same time or you don't have any help at home....let your kids ransack the house, let them have cake for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and let them watch movies allllll daaaayyyy looooong. Hey, at this point, it is all about survival :).

5. Wash your hands all the time,Lysol door handles, toilets and anything else that could be infected.

6. Wine....just one glass, maybe two to help you relax after being on your toes for 24-48 hours.

Now, knowing me, I've forgotten a couple of things. Does anyone else have good ideas of their own??? How do you manage these mean little bugs???

***I can't believe I just typed a post all about vomit***