We are usually very cautious about cold and flu exposuure during the season. But this year, we were not successful at ducking it. I have found a few tips that may be of use to other families that might like to have a flu preparedness kit on hand just in case they don't succeed in ducking it eiither:

To fight deyhdration and cool a fever a bit - Pinapple Smoothy: This icy, fruity, smooth textured beverage gives the best "Ahhh!" that I have found here with the flu. You will need to have pineapple (canned would make it easy to store and easy on a potentially feverish mom). A package of Dream Whip (powdered, in the pudding section at the store), and ice. Just put it all in the blender for about 10 seconds.

Have Vick's Vapor, menthol, or euclptus on hand. I have found that It can get difficult to breathe when you have this flu. Something that can open things up a bit can mean the difference between feeling like you are struggling and feeling comfortable.

Of course, illness is a great time to have a few new family friendly videos to watch so everyone gets caught up in the story and forgets about feeling bad. We did a Pay Per View Ratatouli yesterday and it really was a great mood lifter. Nothing better than good laughs when you are sick.

If you are a family with a communal tothpaste, think about switching to everyone having their own tube. Little ones in particular are prone to contaminating the neck area of the tube. Don't forget to get new toothebrushes after recovery.

According to CDC, the flu virus is killed by anticeptics and it is an aeresol-based virus. When someone coughs the droplets are a prime vector to contaminate new family members. Try a disenfecting air spray of some type to reduce the quantity of live viruses in the air. Do remember that it can be difficult to breathe if you have the flu, so try to spray more throuroughly when the sick ones are out of the room and then more lightly when they are in.

Well, I am getting a tad tired and don't want to tire too much. I hope the suggestions are a help to others.