I tried to get the kids the H1N1 vaccine. The lines were insane and the quantity, limited. So we never did get one. But we did get the seasonal flu vaccine.

I know there are many people out there who don't or won't get a flu shot. For us, the small risk associated with any vaccine isn't enough to prevent us from getting it. And it's not just because we don't want to get sick.

Yes, it's true, that with Noah's suppressed immune system he is more susceptible to getting germs but he is also more likely to get sicker. When he gets sick, it revs up his immune system. The whole reason he is on immune suppression is because with a fully active or revved up immune system, it starts to attack his heart. Causing rejection and heart failure.

So, you see, it's not just a desire to avoid getting sick. It really is a life or death choice for us.

Monday afternoon, Lilly started seeming a bit sick. She had a small cough and complained of not feeling well. By the next morning, she could barely breath and I was afraid she was going to cough up a lung. She had a fever of 102 and was so tired. Classic symptoms of the flu.

We headed to the Urgent Care (our ped was out and the on-call Dr is the one who told me Noah was fine when 3 days later I found out he had pneumonia... so not worth the drive up there). They ran all the standard tests, including Strep and a flu test.

Everything came back negative, except the flu test. She did indeed test positive for Influenza A. And, since the seasonal flu has not made an appearance here in the great beehive state, I was told it was a 95% chance it was of the H1N1 variety.

In all honesty, this really worried me. I've heard how awful this virus can be on a persons lungs. I could see what a hard time breathing that Lilly was having (her O2 sats were in the high 80s). I couldn't help but think of Noah and his lowered immune system and his damaged lungs.

Thankfully, Noah's transplant coordinator is FABULOUS and she had already called in an Rx of Tamiflu for the entire family. If we can keep from getting sick, it will help keep Noah from getting sick.

Lilly is still not well but her breathing isn't as labored and while I have heard some coughing during the night from Noah, he has yet to get sick. I really think the Tamiflu is making a big difference.

By yesterday evening I was even feeling lousy, but I put the Netti pot to some good use and started my own Rx of Tamiflu and today I am feeling much better. I think the trick of it is to get it started as soon as possible and not wait until you already have a fever and cough. Although, that isn't always possible.

We are still not out of the woods. Lilly is still sick and her cough is pretty horrid. Noah could still get sick and that could be a whole world of hurt for him. But I feel more confident that all will be okay.

Many of you have reached out to me on Face Book and Twitter to offer your support and prayers. It means so much to me. As I have said many times, I know first hand (many times over) the power of prayer. So thank you for caring about the well being of my family.

Here is to hoping you all stay healthy and avoid this horrible virus.



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