We get flu shots every year. Well, the kids and I get flu shots every year. I know I made Clif get one when Ainsley was first born, since she was too young to have one. And I think he got one last year, or maybe it was the year before.
But the rest of us, do not miss a flu shot...except for this year.
I can blame it on lots of things...
-This is the first year in a long time that we have not been to the pediatrician all year. It's a blessing, means my kids have not warranted a trip to the doctor. They've been healthy. In fact, I can't remember the last time I missed work because of a sick child. We've been for well visits, but my kids are old enough to be on the annual plan, and neither one of their birthdays fall during flu season. So there was no reminder.
-The day they gave them at work I was out.
-I'm pregnant and this fall, was too tired and too brain dead to think about it.
...but really, I just blanked.
So we didn't get our flu shots, and it really didn't even cross my mind until early January. I called 4 pediatricians in the area...all out. I called CVS and stopped by the Target pharmacy...they don't give them to kids, even with a script.
I talked to my doctor at my last appointment, on Wednesday. "The height of the season is over, but you might want to still get one. Up to you."
Wednesday night Clif came home with a scratchy throat.
Thursday afternoon he left work early with a cough and headache.
Friday he stayed home with a fever. Doctor confirmed...flu.
So I spent the weekend trying to keep the kids and myself away from him. Even though he's been contagious for days.
This morning Ainsley had the shivers and said she didn't feel well. No fever, but I'm pretty sure I see where this is headed.
We sent her to school. I'm not sure it was the right decision. But it will give me a chance to gather things up at work and prepare to telecommute for a few days if necessary.
These things always remind me how hard it is to be a parent. Making decisions based on instinct and answers from a little person. I can't keep her home every time she doesn't feel like going to school. Is this more? Is this different? Maybe. Probably. But I don't know really.
Five and a half years in and I'm still just learning as I go.
