The week before school started, the teenager came down with a cold. Despite feverish handwashing and use of hand sanitizer, the preschooler was sick by the third week of school. By the next week, guess who had it? All of this would not have been so bad if we hadn't had a trip to DisneyWorld scheduled the week after that. So with much praying and ingesting of Vitamin C (and Claritin D on my part), we were all sufficiently recovered to enjoy our trip this past week. However, on the plane, I swear every child seated in my family's vicinity was coughing. The woman seated directly behind the preschooler was also coughing up a lung. So, now that we're back, the prayer and ingestion of Vitamin C have begun again.
So, the topic today is that season we all dread: the cold and flu season.
Over-the-counter cold medications for infants (children 2 and under) have been pulled off the shelves due to accidental overdoses administered by parents. (When clicking on this link, go to "Top Stories" and hit the tab until
you see the title "Infant Cold Medicines Pulled Off Market".)
Apparently, some parents either disregarded or overlooked the dosage instructions, which most of the time advise you to seek the advice of a doctor before giving it to children under the age of 2. So, when dealing with over-the-counter medications, for adults as well as kids, remember that they still are "medications".
Have you gotten your flu shot yet? I always get mine early because I am in one of the high risk categories. In the past, I have stood in line to get a shot at Mayfair Mall and at the Waukesha County Expo Center for shoo the flu clinics sponsored by the VNA. Last year, however, I found a better alternative, right here in Brookfield.
Aurora QuickCare has two locations in Brookfield, one in the Aurora Pharmacy located at 17280 W. North Avenue and one in the Brookfield Square Mall. My dad and I got our shots today at the North Avenue location. I called ahead to make sure they had a supply of the vaccine. We just walked in, and there was no wait. In the past, there has been a line, but the wait time was relatively short. (If you're concerned about lines, call ahead). Aurora QuickCare does take Medicare (there was no charge for my dad) and some insurance plans. If your insurance is not presently included, the cost is $30. Be aware that not everyone can get a flu shot. If you decide to use Aurora QuickCare, read the consent forms carefully and let the nurse know of any medications you are on and inform her of any medical conditions or allergies that you may have, especially if you have never had a flu shot before.
For my daughter, I take her to the pediatrician to get her a flu shot. My doctor's office had the vaccine as early as the end of September.
So, for my part, I've done about all I can do to keep from getting sick. The only thing left would be holding my breath... or maybe living alone in a plastic bubble (remember that John Travolta movie?), which doesn't sound half bad right now.
