The initial excitement of sending children back to school often fades quickly as they return to the classroom, where they inevitably share germs. Soon enough, they are homebound with colds, fevers, nasal congestion, and sore throats.
Since the school year commenced, my two eldest have been home for extended durations battling relentless viruses. As the caregiver during these times, I’ve come to recognize the following seven stages that I experience with each illness:
- Denial: One morning, my son, Jacob, woke up with a stuffy nose, a scratchy throat, and complaints of not feeling well. My immediate response: “Really? Are you certain? Perhaps you just slept with your mouth open or something. Let me check your temperature – no fever! That’s a good sign. Drink some water and eat breakfast. Hop in the shower. Here’s some DayQuil. You’ll feel better once you get to school!”
- Acceptance with a Dash of Panic: An hour later, the school nurse calls, saying Jacob is in her office, still complaining of his symptoms. My initial disbelief shifts to acceptance as I realize he genuinely is unwell. I bring him home, settling him into the lounge chair with a blanket, a pillow, some ice water, and the TV remote. I then cancel my day’s plans.
- Hope: This phase is characterized by an optimistic belief that the illness will be short-lived. I provide an abundance of fluids, popsicles, and soup, and even indulge in on-demand movies. I cross my fingers for a swift recovery.
- Love and Concern: Frequently checking on Jacob, I offer him saltine crackers and chicken noodle soup. I allow him to relax in bed, bring cool compresses, and administer medication every four to six hours. I listen patiently to his complaints, expressing calm and affectionate support. However, this stage typically lasts just a day or two before it shifts into…
- Anger: By the third day of Jacob being home, his fever hits 103°F. There’s vomit in the toilet that won’t flush, and our supplies of cold medicine have run out. I feel overwhelmed and frustrated. After calling the doctor, I learn it’s likely a viral infection that may last up to a week. No antibiotics are available. I hang up, feeling exasperated and questioning why effective treatments for common colds are still elusive. Serenity now!
- Depression: Four days trapped at home with Jacob, I begin to feel stir-crazy. I’m in pajamas all day and glued to the couch, watching Nickelodeon. Jacob shows no signs of improvement, and scrolling through social media reveals others enjoying their lives. I realize it’s bad when I start looking forward to back-to-school night just to escape the house.
- Joy!: One morning, Jacob announces he feels much better! We celebrate our survival through this ordeal with high fives. I encourage him to take a shower while I step outside to bask in the sunshine.
Just as I think we’re in the clear, I glance over at my youngest child, Lily, and notice her red, puffy eyes. It seems she has contracted pink eye. Back to stage one – Noooooooo!
This article highlights the cyclical nature of viral infections in children and the emotional rollercoaster parents experience during these times. For a deeper understanding of pregnancy and home insemination, visit https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy. For more information on at-home insemination options, check out https://www.makeamom.com/artificial-insemination-kit/impregnator-at-home-insemination-kit.
Summary
Navigating the seven stages of a child’s viral infection involves a journey from denial to joy, often accompanied by a range of emotions. Each phase presents unique challenges and insights for parents, underscoring the commonality of these experiences.
Keyphrase: stages of viral infection in children
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