Oink, Oink

Ah, it's wonderful when you find your family caught in the latest disease hype. Yes, it's true: novel H1N1 influenza virus (a.k.a., the swine flu), has hit the Harnden family, settling in on one bouncy member of our brood--Seth.

Seth woke up on Sunday with a bad headache, cough and a high fever. The flu suspicion began right away, but we confirmed it on Monday when his fever persisted and I talked to the pediatrician's office. Yes, the nurse said, it's all but sure to be H1N1 because the regular flu hasn't roused itself yet for the season. A test may or may not have confirmed it, but there didn't seem to be any point in pursuing that. We've kept him home, given him lots of fluids, and he has caught up on all his favorite cartoons. Seventy-two hours plus 24 more fever-free ones, and he can return to school. Thursday. Thursday....

Just kidding; it's all been fine. Fortunately, Scott was planning to take off Tuesday anyway (that's the day I work), so he and Seth hung out and did house stuff yesterday (mostly with Seth on the couch or resting in a chair outside). His fever was normal this morning, so he looks to be on the mend. All in all, I think he did better with the swine flu than he did with the regular flu a few years ago.

And he didn't even grow a pig snout! Heh.