When I was asked by Mom Central to participate in the ‘Moms Fight the Flu Campaign’ I immediately said yes.  There has been so much discussion about the Flu this year, with the H1N1 strain that I felt I should participate in spreading the word.

Back in October when the first round of H1N1 clinics opened, I still wasn’t sure if I should get myself and the kids inoculated.  But, when Hubby asked us to we headed over and had a rather painless experience.  In the end, I was actually in the risk group due to my asthma and Apple was in the risk group due to her age.  They just gave J the shot so we wouldn’t have to come back and do it all again even though he was only three months into the not at risk category.

At the same time we were getting our shots, A, my stepson was at home with H1N1.  His mother was away, but his grandparents took him to the hospital (he didn’t want Apple and J to catch it so thoughtfully called them to take him instead of me, even though I would have done it).  Thankfully all he needed to do was rest and stay away from people and after three very bad days, and some Ibuprofin to bring down his fever, A, was feeling like his old self and ready to get back to his busy teenage schedule.  Me, being the mean Stepmother that I am made him clean the house with disinfectant and wash all his bedding before his Mom got home so as not to spread the germs.  Thankfully he had a couple of warmer days to let in the fresh air into the house as well.

The worst part for him was the not knowing what to do.  Thankfully, there are many resources out there to help you figure out if you might have it and what to do if you do have it.

Here we are now at the second round of shots.  Apple needs a second shot, since she is under three.  But, J doesn’t need another one since it has been decided that healthy children up to age 9 only needed the first half dose. And Hubby, he needs to get his shot now too.  Thankfully there is a new clinic set up here in Barrhaven that he can go to and hopefully take Apple with him so I don’t have to do it again.  To find a clinic near you, you can look it up here.

Are we happy we got the shots?  In a word, yes.  I was quite skeptical about it but, since we have been in contact with quite a few people now that have had H1N1 we are happy that we at least have a little extra help in keeping it away.

“I wrote this post while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central and received a Mom Central gift pack to thank me for taking the time to participate.”