even more frustrating!! (flu!)

Ok, so I am a nanny, and the family I work for knows all about my disease. Especially since I was hospitalized the entire first week of October for it. My boss (mom) knows I'm still not 100% and yet she's been having me come in when kids here are sick with the flu. Which the doctor said he's 99% sure is H1N1 (won't do the official test, it's $300). Now, it wasnt so bad the last three days when just one kid was home, I just tried to stay away and wash my hands alot, but today THREE of the family members are home INCLUDING THEIR DAD!!! I've told her so many times it would not be good for me if I caught it because my health is so poor right now. She even told the kids "Amanda can't get sick". Um, so WHY am I here?? It is totally freaking me out. I just don't see how it's worth the risk to them. I am just starting to feel better too. Even if getting the flu doesn't affect my UC, I'm just So Tired of Being SICK.

Sorry I just had to vent that.

Has anyone gotten the flu while in a flare or coming out of one? I've gotten it while in remission and it's never caused me to flare, but I'm worried about how my body will handle it when I'm not.

Well, yeah, but I just missed a week at the beginning of the month. And I just can't bring myself to call out of work sick. I even worked the day before being admitted to the hospital. It's how I've always been. Not to mention I need my job and the money. I just wish there was a little more common sense and understanding going on, that's all. And it's annoying that their dad is home. When I told him I'm scared to get sick he said "Well I would think so, yes, of course, after what you've just been through." So they KNOW. I think that bothers me even more than the prospect of getting the flu. And yes, if I get it I would be out for a few days. But the kids would be back in school by then, that's probably her thinking.

hhmmm, that's a tough one. I understand that you wish the mother was more understanding, but it's not likely she'll say "Oh, don't come near us until we're better!". And I too, am loathe to call in sick- I rarely do, unless I'm REALLY ill. And if I bang in sick just to take a day, I'm totally wracked with guilt! Stupid... But, in this case, you'd be wise to stay away- you do have to be pro-active with your own health, after all. What do you want to do, what do you think is the right decision? If it's staying away, then just do it. On your own terms, you know? Don't wait 'til it's offered, cause it won't be! It sounds as if they are understanding of your fears, but not at their own expense. Which is just how people are.

Call your doctor and ask for Tamiflu. My nonIBD child has H1N1 and so far my two with UC are not coming down with it. They have both been taking Tamiflu for 5 days now and have 5 left to go.

Tamiflu can be taken for prevention after a known exposure. My daughter with the flu takes 2 Tamiflu per day for 5 days. My two with UC who more than likely have been exposed take one Tamiflu per day for 10 days. Doctor rx'd it for them since they are on immune suppressors and have an underlying health condition. Wouldn't give it for husband or I since we are healthy unless we actually show symptoms.

We have done it this way in the past as well and the ones who are treated with Tamiflu before actually coming down with flu either didn't get it at all or got a very mild, shorter lived version than the kiddo that started it all! Tamiflu is expensive though, it was $180 for all three kids, but I think worth it. Thankfully the Tamiflu sits well with them, too. I have read that it can cause quite a bit of nausea and vomiting - yuck!

Now I just have to decide if the kids should get the H1N1 vaccine? They have already had the Seasonal Flu vaccine.

I didn't realize you could use Tamiflu for prevention.
And some moms I was with last night said you do have to have a health issue, since it's in short supply too.
They have one sick kid and couldn't get it for the others, this year.
It does sound worth it!

Dr-A - yes, I agree, Tamiflu literature/possible side effects is absolutely frightening!!!! I was almost more afraid of the Tamiflu than the H1N1 and even called the Ped GI on Sunday at home to get her feedback, she said give it to them. Thankfully all three kids tolerated it very well. Not sure how much good it did the sick kid, but so far the 2 with UC seem to be flu free. Daughter has just a bit of kind of semi formed stool, but just 1 per day so I'm hopeful that it is not a flare restarting.

Dr-A, will you be getting the H1N1 vaccine? I still have to decide what to do for my kiddos...

I agree, either call out or take an antiviral as a precaution.

Also, I'm pretty sure it's just the children's version of tamiflu that's in short supply, at least in my area.

I need to figure out what to do about a flu shot meself as i don't have TIME to get to the doc. But someone's been spreading germs in my lab: two people sick so far this week. =(