Not too long ago, I wrote this blog post about the mythical condition often referred to as ‘man flu’. In the post I stated that illness, for me, as the main carer of my kids, is different. Yeah, so I get the odd sniffle but I just have to battle on through or the wheels would fall off the bus of domesticity.
As I’ve found out over the past few days, the same doesn’t really apply when I fall properly ill. When I say properly ill, we’re not talking anything too significant; merely a minor chest infection.
During the past fortnight I’ve had a horrendous, hacking cough. I tried to persuade myself it was just the remnants of a minor cold I’d had. Eventually, however, I knew the time was right to seek medical advice. Sure enough, a chest infection was diagnosed.
I’ve known many people fall ill with chest infections and it’s completely knocked them out for a while. I can now understand why. It is exceptionally tiring and I’ve been left feeling very drained indeed.
As for dealing with the kids, well, it has to go on. I can’t lie though, standards slip. They were both in their pajamas until 2pm yesterday, such was the confused fug I was wandering around in.
With regards to timing, well, there’s never a good time to fall ill. It being half term adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the scenario. The fact my wife is spending a few days with her family in Scotland leaving me to fly solo with the kids makes life that bit more interesting (the irony; she’s gone to visit her father who was recently hospitalised after falling ill with a serious chest infection. Not the kind of trip that could be re-arranged around my minor health issues).
Oh, and did I mention the refurbishment of the kitchen? Yes, we’re right in the middle of that as well.
Just before putting the kids to bed tonight I thought about what we’d be doing tomorrow. The thought alone left me feeling drained. I’ll take it as easy as I can, but you just have to soldier on, right?
Pic credit; Pexels.com. reproduced under Creative Commons agreement.
13 thoughts on “The dreaded chest infection”
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Oh man, that’s horrendous. I had a similar chest infection last week. It knocked me off my feet for four days – antibiotics, cough, flu-symptoms for days, lethargic and comatose. Luckily I had the Mrs on hand, even though she had the kids to take care off too.
The idea that I could have looked after the kids while feeling like that boggles the mind. Top ‘man points’ and dad respect your way. I hope you’re feeling better soon, mate.
Thank you Grant. The meds at long last seem to be doing there thing so some improvement in my situation this morning. Thanks for commenting.
Oh no, I hate being poorly. Especially when you’ve lots of refurbishing going on!
There’s never a good time to fall ill, but this is spectacularly poor timing! Thanks for commenting.
Chest infections can make you really tired and everything is double the effort. Last time I had a chest infection I was told I sounded like I’d just swallowed a mouth organ – and that was from the medic!
But yet we have to solider on. Best of luck with the flight with two small people and the desire to do nothing but sleep. That in itself could make for an interesting post, once you’ve got your strength back!
Thankfully the meds are at long last kicking in. Just want to be well again. Of course school starts tomorrow and we’re back to the usual routine which will either be great, or a complete nightmare!
Being on your own, in the middle of half-term and in the middle of having your kitchen renovated is definitely not a good time to be ill and chest infections can be quite horrible. Hope you are starting to feel better now.
Thankfully Louise, I am well and truly on the mend. The timing was pretty awful but c’est la vie.
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Pneumonia occurs when it is transmitted by sneezing or coughing and also through tangible objects that absorb pneumonia-causing bacteria. It is mostly caused by viral, bacterial or fungal infections, with the bacteria settling in small air sacs known as alveoli.
Chest infections is horrible specially for women. I know someone who faced it and i know how hard it.