Ugh! Flu B!

So this is the 2nd time Flu B hit our house. My 8 year old got it first in October and now my 10 year old was diagnosed with it yesterday. He started showing symptoms Sunday afternoon when suddenly he took a nap in the afternoon, which he NEVER does. I just assumed tired from a busy weekend.

Anyone really know the difference between Flu A and B?

Also, besides washing, washing, washing, Lysol, having him change pajamas and showering in the day, and keeping him to one area and his brother nowhere near him they can think of to help contain him and get it over faster?
I'm up'ing his elderberry, which they normally take in the morning. I have opened the windows every once in a while to let in fresh air, lots of hand washing and wiping down too. He's having lots of liquids too.
I said No to Tamiflu since when my younger son was 3 and had it he got sick and was hallucinating too.
Does everyone feel like this flu is EVERYWHERE too? I feel like I know about 6 - 7 kids who just got over it or has it now.

Re: Ugh! Flu B!

The problem with flu is you are contagious before you show symptoms. So you can do everything right from the moment someone is diagnosed but they have already been contagious and that is why it's hard to avoid spreading it within a household.

I feel like the flu is everywhere every year to be honest. And I feel like the flu shot really means nothing because everyone who has it seems to have had the shot.

Just keep doing what you're doing.
The best thing is to really keep your immune system in tip top shape to fight off all that goes around in the winter.

Re: Ugh! Flu B!

I believe it's so rampant this year because this year's vaccine is not very effective against the flu B strain. I don't think there's really any difference symptom/treatment wise, just different strains. I hope everyone is feeling better soon and the rest of the house can avoid it! The flu is awful!

Re: Ugh! Flu B!

Re: Ugh! Flu B!

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by Momma2015

I believe it's so rampant this year because this year's vaccine is not very effective against the flu B strain.

And I feel like I hear that every year too...

Re: Ugh! Flu B!

Posted by Momma2015

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by Momma2015

I believe it's so rampant this year because this year's vaccine is not very effective against the flu B strain.

And I feel like I hear that every year too...

Probably also true! I'm a big advocate for getting the flu shot, though my DD and I both got it last year after we got the shot. I was 7 months pregnant and taking care of my sick 2 1/2 year old- it was miserable! Meanwhile my DH did not get the shot and did not get sick. Go figure!

Re: Ugh! Flu B!

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by Momma2015

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by Momma2015

I believe it's so rampant this year because this year's vaccine is not very effective against the flu B strain.

And I feel like I hear that every year too...

Probably also true! I'm a big advocate for getting the flu shot, though my DD and I both got it last year after we got the shot. I was 7 months pregnant and taking care of my sick 2 1/2 year old- it was miserable! Meanwhile my DH did not get the shot and did not get sick. Go figure!

Yeah I still give it to my DD- not sure, I just feel like she's a kid and in a school full of germs so I'll give her a fighting chance, you know? I know flu can be worse in kids too. Although a few years ago she got the flu anyway even with the shot.
But I never get the shot. And I never had the flu either. So who knows? I really think your immune system is something that is luck of the draw.
I know a girl at work who eats the perfect human diet, exercises, all organic food, vitamins, micro nutrients, Kefir, Kombucha, the whole 9 yards and is always sick.
And then there is me who exists on Doritos, fried food, carbs and wine and never eats a vegetable or fruit and I'm never sick.

So I have no clue what the answer is.

Re: Ugh! Flu B!

Everything you’re doing is right (I’m a clean freak) I would add only using paper towels for hand drying for everyone in the house until it’s out of the house (if someone isn’t showing symptoms yet and is drying hands on same towel as the rest of you, it’ll spread)

Also , up everyone else’s elderberry as well. Boost everyone’s immune system so maybe they won’t get it to begin with.

Message edited 1/21/2020 9:17:09 AM.

Ugh! Flu B!

DD and I had it over Christmas. It was horrible. I got it first and by the time I went to the doctor it was too late for tamiflu. Then DD got it and in my sick stupor decided that she should just ride it out. If I could go back I would have demanded the tamiflu for her. I don’t care what anyone says about it, she had a fever for 10 days and it climbed near 105 a bunch of times. I’m surprised she didn’t hallucinate from that.

DH didn’t get it at all. There is some research saying that how we fight it off is genetic and I believe that.

Any yes, we all got our flu shots and will continue to get flu shots. It is impossible to predict how any given flu season will pan out. Like all medicine, it’s a best guess scenario.

ETA A and B are just different strains. Same symptoms in general. They say B is worse for kids. Usually B peaks toward the end of flu season and more flu deaths are B. People keep saying “at least you can’t get it again!” And I’m like we can’t get B but there’s still A. Apparently the vaccine is a very good match for A this year.

Message edited 1/21/2020 10:42:55 AM.

Re: Ugh! Flu B!

Re: Ugh! Flu B!

It's really bad this year .My DS was diagnosed with Flu A the other day and now I am starting to get symptoms (fever, cold)

Re: Ugh! Flu B!

Strep is also going around hot and heavy. I got diagnosed with it yesterday and have been quarantined to my bedroom.