Virus Survival

At my age and as many time as I have nursed my way through a Stomach Virus, the Flu etc and had my children ill. This time down with it, hit me differently. Because it has lasted for more than just 24 hrs. and let me tell you, this is a bad one!

After some research, it's shutting down hospitals, schools and offices across the country – actually – across the world. This is really nasty! It can last for more than even a few weeks. After my 5th day down with this, I decided I would share my findings!

This is pretty much Airborne. Not really a drink after type of thing. So, be careful.

So, I thought I would share my idea of a Virus Survival Kit.

Although you must know, that rest is very important. The professionals are saying to not go back to work or into public until you have been symptom free for 48 hrs.

I agree with the idea of not going out or to work for at least after 48 hrs. without symptoms.. Because, as mine slowed down and I thought I was out of the woods, I started again full blown and this time added vomiting.
This is almost as existential to have at your home as an emergency kit. Think about it, if you get struck by a virus, and are stuck doing potty time, and have no one to go to the store for you, how will you get the things you need? I was lucky and had my husband,but I made the kit, just in case.

Although this was written to be humorous...it's true in allot of ways!

I would put these things in a rubber maid type container, except for the things that we should already have on hand for other reasons or just keep the list for reference!

My Top 25 Things to have for a Battle With the Potty Time Virus and Some Tips too

Gatorade - a much needed liquid to replenish what you are loosing down the drain

Alka Seltzer - helps with upset stomach as well as pain relief and it's fun to watch it fizz

Chicken Broth - You body still needs to be nourished somehow.

Tylenol – to help with the horrible head ache – trust me on this one

Thermometer – To take temp (you should have one of these already) Just keep an eye on that temp. Some will be light and some will be high. Again, Tylenol!

Crackers – if you wish – but be careful munching on those – they hurt making their way into the potty...no matter how they are getting there.

Mouth Wash – A Good one too – for washing germs and the bad taste out

A few good movies - to pass the time when you aren't able to sleep between potty duties or a deck of cards, or colors and coloring book...or hey, get hooked on Soaps like I did.

Diaper Rash Medicine – Yes, Diaper Rash medicine – if you spend more than twice on potty duty then you are gonna need something to ease that pain. Trust me! By day 5 you are in tears with nothing to put on there.

Potty Wipes – Be careful with this, you want no alcohol or fragrance in these or it will burn. But, the wetness is nice because after a while, dry toilet paper only hurts. :D

Hand Sanitizer - a large one for beside the bed and a large one for the bathroom

Lysol or other type of disinfecting spray – spray everything, your bed, your bathroom, the handles, anything you touch!

Alcohol Pads or small bottle of alcohol – YES! I learned this with my brain surgery. If you feel nauseated you can smell the alcohol and it helps the nausea. It works, well to a point. If it's determined to visit it will be here.

A Bible – so you can refer to it, while you are laying there wishing to just die already because you feel so bad.

Epsom Salt – YES!!!! This added to a nice hot bath and soaking in it, will soothe aching muscles, aching anal area, and it will relax you. TIP: Don't use Calgon or anything else with tons of perfume or you'll be screaming for ice for the pain you feel in that anal area!!!!

The phone, keep the phone close but remember to wipe it with alcohol before allowing any one else to share it. The phone only needs to be close when you finally feel like you are dying and need to call for help.

Lotion – for your hands, because trust this, as much as you are going to be washing your hands or rubbing them with that hand Sanitizer, then your hands are gonna need the softness. Plus, when really bored and the dog is keeping you company, you can add some lotion to his dry paws. Then watch him freak out..

TIP – Even though you are starving, and feel hungry, you think you are able to eat, watch what you are eating. Be sure that you ask yourself this: Will this taste good coming up? Will this hurt coming out? Think about it....Plus, be sure it's hunger pains and not virus tummy pains.

TIP - You might want to invest in some POISE for this battle. WHEW! At my age though, a cough, sneeze or laugh and we are swimming in the pee lol .... but, keep those handy, because you may not make it to the potty in time. Also, if you are throwing up, you will need to have something in case you are head in the toilet and the butt is moving too. Keep an extra pair or undies close to you and pants.

TIP – By Day 10, if you are still down, check your life insurance polices, your will, or at least jot down your last wishes. I did this, like 5 times. 1. Please don't bury me in anything tight for fear my tummy will hurt and cause discomfort. and 2. if you don't bury me with a bucket, I will haunt you. :D

SERIOUS TIP – Check with your Doctor...for real...if you are going longer than a few days with this and everything going out and nothing in, then you need to see the Dr. Don't just let it run it's course because it can run you right out of life. Dehydration is serious. Be very careful and pay attention to your signs. urine, dry mouth, dry eyes etc. But, with this, you feel horrible and weak.

NEWS: I watched David Letterman on January 30th and he had Dr. Phil that had been seriously ill with this..so, be careful. It's not a fun virus at all.

Watch Channel 10 KWTX – this will be helpful in staying with what's going on around you.

And LAST - SOCKS - Get a pair of socks – if your feet were never cold before they will be now!

So, there's my list of Virus Survival Tips and a Kit..

Here's wishing you safe, and soothing potty duty!

Pass this on, someone may be grateful...

Tracy