Wednesday, January 28, 2009

I Guess That Explains It

We found out today why Joshua's fever was so out of control on Monday. He has the flu.... again. He got it last year, too. So now he has had it twice despite getting the flu shot every year of his life. Why do we even bother!?! He seemed to be doing so much better yesterday. He still had a fever, but was being so silly and seemed to be feeling tons better. But then he started saying he couldn't hear the TV, and we noticed he was talking really loud, so we started thinking that maybe he had an ear infection. He's ever only had one and that was 2 years ago, but of course it's possible. Then today, he clearly was feeling awful again, just wanting to cuddle, looking pale with sunken eyes. It's so sad to see him like that. So, I decided to take him to the doctor today to make sure he didn't need any antibiotics. She listened to his chest and said she heard some off and on rattling around in there, so she sent us for a chest x-ray to make sure it wasn't pneumonia, and she also recommended checking him for the flu. There's nothing they can do about the flu, but at least then we know what we're dealing with. He was none too pleased about having a Q-Tip stuck up his nose, and even less pleased about having to lay down to do it, but we got it done. While we were waiting at the imaging facility for the x-ray, he cuddled up on my lap and kept dozing off, which is so unlike him, even when he is sick. He did a good job getting his chest x-ray. He wasn't happy about having to take his shirt off, but I don't blame him. He has a fever and the chills, so stripping down doesn't exactly sound appealing. He cried through the whole thing, but completely cooperated. But thankfully it was not pneumonia and we just have to wait this one out. He's had his fever since Sunday, so we're hoping to see it come down soon. It could take a week to go away. Since Josh got this right after Ben was sick, we're assuming that Ben also got the flu despite his flu shot. The doctor recommended that, since these boys are apparently prone to the flu, that we get the nasal vaccination this fall which seems to be more effective than the shot. We'll consider that. But, I'm starting to think this flu vaccine isn't all its cracked up to be!

4 comments:

OurCarsAndCops said...

that is the exact reason i turn down the flu shot every year!

hope josh gets better quick!

Jen said...

Poor thing! When I took a virology class in college they talked about how many strains of flu there are, and how the flu shot is simply a guess at which strain is going to come that season. Sometimes they get it right, and sometimes they don't! Sounds like they haven't done a good job for your boys, that's for sure!

I hope he feels better soon!!!

Jen said...

Wow! Glad you got an answer!

And woohoo for the insurance settlement--go you!

Lastly, I would LOVE your help with the service!

Let's do lunch (for real this time!) I have gone back to work so I'm up in your neighborhood again

Lea said...

Poor dude! You guys have had such a rough time of it! I sincerely hope everyone is healthy soon...and stays that way!