My house has been hit by the most massive stomach flu I have ever seen in my life. Ugh!
I have a few tips on how to make it through the yuck-bug with your little ones, and your sanity, intact!
*Bendy straws make it easier to stay hydrated when you're flat-out on the couch. Take it slowly, just sipping a little water every 15 minutes or so. Drink too much, too fast and your tummy will revolt. Ice chips work best, according to one of my doctor clients.
*Buckets and small trash cans with doubled grocery bags are especially handy in the middle of the night. But really, going without bags is sometimes easier, since you can dump the yucks into the toilet, rinse, repeat and flush.
*Keep a supply of GoGurt yogurt tubes stashed in the freezer. They are easy on raw throats and tummies and offer good-for-you probiotics in a fun form.
*Grab those waterproof mattress covers from when the kids were babies. They protect your mattress/couch from attacks. If you're left with a wet spot from cleaning up a mess, they keep you dry! I like to put a clean towel under it to help absorb any extra moisture, and either a clean towel or sheet on top so it's comfy.
*While too much juice can increase diarrhea, a couple 100% fruit juice boxes throughout the day are so refreshing, and help beat the monotony of plain water. Just sip a bit at a time!
*Baby wipes are helpful when you are in between baths. And the moist towelettes from Cottonelle gently clean tiny heinies and are flushable. Double win!
As for the cleanup? I followed people around with Clorox wipes (even scrubbed the floors in the bathrooms!), hosed every inch of the house down with disinfectant spray (Family Dollar is just as effective as name brands!), and once I could stay vertical myself, went around with my trusty Clorox Cleanup Spray!
Refreshing the furniture and air with an odor eliminator (like Febreze or this citrus one from Dollar General), helped with the sicky smell. I also like opening a window to let some fresh air circulate!
Being sick is never fun but these tips can make things a little easier if you are! Hope your house gets well soon!
Lindsay