I have been preparing for flu season since before the boys were born. I knew we would have to be extra careful with new babies, but I'm feeling really anxious since they are preemies, and especially with the little guys history of chronic lung disease. I have already ordered a few bottles (BIG 84 oz bottles-same ones used in hospitals) of the anti-bacterial soap we used while in the NICU (I finally found some online) and also a few cases of the anti-bacterial hand sanitizer. My wife thinks I'm crazy, but I just can't help but worry about the babies. The doctor in the NICU said that the little guy has a very high chance of being admitted to the hospital if he contracts so much as a cold, so I'm not taking any chances with them.
Of course, to add to my concern, every time I pump I sit at the computer and go through the news. Today there is an article on the swi.ne.flu. which points out that not only is it tough on adults, but worse for those under 6 months old (check), with respiratory problems (check), premature infants (check-check) and those who work with kids are more suseptible to it (check). Can I crawl into a cave somewhere and come out sometime in May??
Too add to my misery is the fact that we have alot going on in the coming months and so many invitations to see "people", my most dreaded species. We have already told many people that we just simply won't be attending their events and now I am considering staying in for the holidays, limiting ourselves to immediate family only - like just me and my wife. I have already put some pretty stringent requirements in place for those wanting to come near the boys, but I'm considering revising those to include some kind of space suit.
*If you know me, you know I'm not joking.
For now, I am putting a hold on visitors who are not blood related, and even some who are. I'm canceling any plans to go anywhere in the near future (say the next 6 months or so). I feel like a hermit some days, but others I am just thankful that we have made it this far (going on 5 months) without the boys getting sick. We had a close call with the little one when he was sounding congested but before I had time to worry, he was all better. Luckily I won't be going back to work until January, so I have 4 more months to watch over them like a hawk, and try and keep us all germ free.
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i am so worried about H1N1, too. they had an outbreak at my company, and my employer told us all to keep coming to the office, even the pregnant women. nice. i am not sure if i should get the vaccine one it's out. it's like....do i risk getting sick or birth defects by taking the untested vaccine, or do i wait and get hospitalized with a high fever and lose the babies or also experience birth defects? it's really a tough one. My OB generally recommends getting the vaccine. i hate this stupid swine flu! i guess it's good that ill prob deliver in march (if im at 36 weeks), and ill be on maternity for 4 months after that, so we can stay indoors.
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