Swine Flu

So, there's a possible case of Swine Flu here in our county. The school where the child goes has been closed.

I know that a lot of people think this is nothing to worry about - my mom included. But I'm worried. It's in the back of my mind a lot and when I think about it, I feel a little panicky.

But, I'm also an admitted hypochondriac. My friends and coworkers make fun of me when I'm sick and joke that I probably have the bird flu. I laugh with them because there is a story behind it.

A few years ago, when the bird flu was all that everyone could talk about, I got sick. I ached all over, my head felt like it would explode, my back hurt from coughing, running fever and even my eyelids hurt.

So, I was letting the FedEx guy in and he said, "boy, you sound terrible. What's wrong?" So, I told him. He stepped back and said, "You've got all of the symptoms of the bird flu. I'd get to the doctor asap"!!!

That did it. I was off to call my doctor and beg them to fit me in. I had a panic attack on the way over there. I just KNEW I was going to be the first case of the bird flu in the US. Now, while I'm probably one of the most competitive people EVER, I did not want to be the first in this. I'm divorced and raising two kids alone. I didn't want me to die and leave them without me! Sheesh!

Finally, after paying the extra $30 as a walk-in plus my co-pay (and an hour and a half later), the nurse called me back.

She took my temp (101) and listened to my back and chest and took my blood pressure (which was sky high due to the fact that I had the bird flu and I was panicked about it).

She asked me why I was there and what my symptoms were and how long I'd had them. I told her my symptoms and then I told her matter of factly, "I think I have the bird flu". I didn't crack a smile. In fact, I think I was about to cry.

She looked at me warily and completely surprised that those words came out of my mouth. Then she burst out laughing. She got up and told the other nurses what I said. They all peeked around the corner to see the girl with the bird flu. They laughed until they cried. I just pouted.

Finally I get shown to a room amidst snorts and giggles and belly laughs. Whatev.

Then the kind doctor comes in. Blessedly, he kept his smirk to a minimum. He listened to my list of symptoms, listened to my heart and chest, looked down my throat and up my nose and in my ears.

I was diagnosed with a sinus infection and two ear infections.

So now, with this swine flu, you may understand that I am a little paranoid. I'm going to buy the boys alcohol based wipes to take to school to keep their hands clean. I want to completely steralize my house. I want a storm/germ shelter to retreat to. Really.

I went to the CDC site and they say to wash your hands after you sneeze or cough. Use alcohol based hand sanitizer. Don't pick your nose. That kind of thing.

BUT - you can eat all the pork (cooked at least to 160 degrees) you want - since you can't get it that way.

Go figure. Stay healthy!