Your best friend in the world, your lover, your life-long mate, has been hit with the flu and just turned into a whimpering, demanding, annoying stranger.
This doesn't mean the end of your marriage. Read these tips on surviving having a spouse down with the flu!
Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
- As soon as you know for sure that it is the flu that has downed your spouse, put a cool cloth on his/her forehead. Then put one on your own forehead.
- Keep pushing liquids at your ill, flu ridden mate. They replenish lost body fluids, electrolytes and minerals. Sports drinks, juices and water are okay. Don't serve caffeinated or alcoholic drinks.
- Insist that your spouse rests while ill with the flu. That means no TV, no computer, etc. Well, maybe a little computer time.
- Keep yourself well by washing your hands a lot. The last thing you need is to get sick with the flu yourself.
- Don't give your spouse a little bell to ring. No matter how miserable he or she is with the flu, stay strong. No bell!!
- Go ahead and serve chicken soup. It is an easily digested liquid with lots of minerals, proteins and carbohydrates and makes you look like a compassionate, caring person even though you don't feel that way.
- When your spouse is feverish with the flu, a tepid bath is soothing and helpful. Lower the heat, remove the covers and have your mate take off socks and extra clothing. Rubbing alcohol baths are no longer recommended.
- If your spouse is sick with the flu for more than a week, or appears to be feeling worse, make an appointment with a physician.
- A humidifier can cut down on your spouse's congestion from having the flu and make it easier to breathe.
- Change bed linen often. Nice clean, fresh sheets are so comforting. Plump the pillows now and then.
- Keep your sense of humor.
- Treat yourself to a little luxury like a box of chocolates, a glass of wine, a good book, a hot bath or shower, a nap or a favorite movie on TV.
Tips:
- Try to avoid getting the flu by getting a flu shot.
- When someone in the house is sick with the flu, wash surfaces with a 10 percent bleach solution or a bacteria fighting cleanser.
- Throw out your spouse's toothbrush and lip balms or lip sticks.
What You Need:
- Patience
- Sense of Humor
- Locking or hiding any bells away so they can't be found.
