aaaahhhh-CHOO!!!

It's flu season! If you haven't already gotten your flu shot, check with your office, school, university, doctor's office and neighborhood grocery stores or pharmacies to GET ONE!!!

With asthma and pregnancy joining forces against me this year, I am very susceptible to the colds and flu. Hubby quarantined me from some sick friends before our wedding day, so if you'd like to see us this winter, please take extra germ-fighting precautions. This means: (use one hand to) cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough; clean your hands often; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; stay home when you are sick (unless you are my husband, in which case you should stay outside); check with a health care provider when needed; get plenty of rest and eat a healthy diet; and practice other good health habits.

Please do not be offended if I cannot shake your hand, kiss and love on your kids, accompany you on long road trips, or join you in confined spaces. And, don't take it personally if I sanitize and disinfect the areas around you! Under normal circumstances, a cold can put me down for weeks, if not months. So, if you think having a crazed, pregnant woman chasing after you with a Lysol can is ugly... Think about that same unsightly woman, unable to take prescription meds, with a snotty nose, box of tissue and a cranky attitude! :D In the meantime, I am nearing the end of my first cold of the season, and building up my defenses for Thanksgiving and Christmas travel. Looking forward to seeing you soon! Stay healthy!

About Immunizations:
Infant immunization schedule, from birth to 6 years (color PDF)
Immunizations for Babies - A guide for Parents
Common Questions Parents Ask About Infant Immunizations
Links for Parents
Links for Pregnant Women
Safety Debate on Thimerosal and Autism - This is rather lengthy

Cold and Flu During Pregnancy:
Treatment and Prevention
Nonmedical Treatments
19 Pregnancy-Safe Remedies - The slideshow format is annoying but there's some interesting text