Ewe's Not Fat; Ewe's Fluffy!

I pray that you and your family and community will weather this flu storm. It sounds like you are doing whatever you can to conquer it. I hope you have had your regular flu shot. I heard on the news that it might help with some degree of immunity to the H1N1. My mother became a nurse in the 1920's because when she was a child, her baby brother died of the influenza that took so many people in the early 1900's. The only way they could fight it was with rest, good nursing, and keeping everything clean. They had no anti-biotics at that time or flu shots. So my mom was a fanatic about covering a cough - always had a hankie handy (they had to boil them when they were washed to disinfect them, no bleach yet). The one tip I still follow is to wear gloves in public. She always had those neat cotton gloves in several colors to match her coat and hat. I think those are pratices that should make a comeback. Also, carry those wipie things in your purse. The supermarkets around here have disinfectant wipes next to the doors when you enter to wipe down the carriage handles. Most important: Moms, do not let your children eat in supermarkets! It is instant hand-to-mouth, and a very bad habit. You loose control over the sanitary conditions they eat under, they get used to taking food from strangers, and they are walking and eating which is dangerous. My daughter saved a Girl Scout at camp who was choking on candy she was chomping on while they were walking. They should wash their hands before and after they eat, and eat sitting, at a table or counter that is cleaned before and after meals. Not in cars, stores, etc. When we were sick, mom made us stay in our beds, in our rooms. We were encouraged to get rest and not hang out in the common areas "spreading our germs around" as my mom would say. It made sense, and it was easier to control the clutter and cleaning necessary to keep the germs down. I did give both of my brothers chicken pox. They deserved it. They both got sick at the same time and drove my mom crazy. Both of my twins got chicken pox when they were in diapers. I thought it was the worse diaper rash ever - but that's where the pox appeared first. Two sick babies was hard to handle. No one slept. I wish I had you for a neighbor then. Making your chicken soup ahead sounds like a great idea. I shared that with my hubby over oatmeal this am, and a big smile came over his face. What a great idea! He said. Foodies unite to save the world! I'm gonna make some soup for him and my freezer now, too. Thanks for the idea, and hope all's well.

My daughter had it several weeks ago. She had a 101.1 fever. She did not get to sick, but the pediatrician said this is how it is presenting itself in AZ- sore throat, stomach ache, head ache and fever. Go to the drug store and get a bottle of Hibiclens. It will be on the bottom shelf in a tiffany blue bottle. It kills the H1N1 virus and the regular flu. Wash your hands every morning with it and it will continue to kill bugs for 6 hours. Go to this link to learn more: http://www.hibiclens.com/swine_flu_information.html

Good sound advise from Gramma. Children, are you listening? Good idea too on the make ahead soup. I'm stealing that idea.