Fighting The Flu

I don't have to reiterate how much getting the flu freaks me out especially down here in Southwest Florida. It's one of the worst states with Swine Flu Cases. Hannah has had a cough/stuffy/runny nose since the second week of school. She came home yesterday non-stop coughing. I mean she could barely get a breath in. The first thing I do when they get home is throw her in the bathtub. Literally. She's more prone to illness than Mackenzie. Her little immune system can't take it. She's had two doses of the flu vaccine since she was born and got sick right after both of them so I haven't been a fan of getting them vaccinated. I stay on top of the juices and foods loaded with vitamins & minerals but before last night, I decided I was going to take them after school today to get the flu shot. I then proceeded to get the girls ready for bed, gave Hannah some Robitussin and tucked them in by 7:30. She immediately sounded worse and could not catch a break from the hacking. Within the hour she was burning up and threw up probably due to coughing so much. There is nothing like Mommy's Love that can make your baby feel better. In-Between running to the bathroom with her, changing the bedding, throwing the blankets in the wash, tucking her in again, plopping her pillow, making her comfortable, getting her water, a cool washcloth, clorox wiping the floors & countertops(again), lysol spraying everything and rubbing her back, I probably washed my hands about fifty times.  I know it's not good to constantly wash your hands but I have a serious OCD problem when it comes to hand washing. In the moment, I don't even realize how long I'm standing there washing them. I think I stood in her bathroom and washed for five minutes then straight to the kitchen to pour Dawn on them and wash for another five, then finish with antibacterial soap and I continuously scrub them. I'm afraid of germs and I'm probably causing more damage by not allowing bacteria on myself. In the back of my mind, I'm saying okay stop washing now but I start thinking of something else when I realize I have been at the sink way too long. I checked on her throughout the night. By this morning, she was still warm and sleeping. Obviously no school for her. She got up with us to take Mackenzie to school and the first thing that came out of her mouth was, "Mom, I want to get on the compoooter."  Looking all worn out and tired, the computer was her first concern. I carried her down to the garage and she was in her glory, saying "wheeee" and giggling. It amazes me to see her so sick trying to fight the illness just to be a kid! She's so sweet and loving. She's my baby and I hate the fact that they get sick but that's life and we have to take care of it. I'm not sure if the flu shot will help now that she's already sick. I'll have to find out. As far as the rest of us, we're getting them today or tomorrow. I wish all of you good health and hope your babies are well. It breaks my heart to see them hurting.