Friday, January 11, 2008

My poor baby

That's our poor, 4-month-old child in a mist tent at the hospital. We had a doctor's appointment for her today, to get her 4-month vaccinations, but this morning she had a fever - not surprising since Bridget had been sick since Monday, and I since Wednesday. So we gave her some Tylenol to reduce the fever, and I tried my best to feed her, but she still won't take a bottle from me. By the time her appointment rolled around, though, her temp had reached 104. The vaccinations were called off, and they ran some blood work, which came back positive for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)- apparently the most common respiratory ailment for children under 4 years. It can also wreak havoc on the lower respiratory system in very young children, though.

The doc was concerned that her immune system would be weakened enough by fighting two viruses already that it would make her prone to catching another; and he really wanted her to be where, if it was needed, help was very nearby. So he had her admitted to the hospital. Just as a precautionary measure, really.

Thus far, not much has happened, though a second test came back negative for RSV. Poor Eleanor, though, isn't handling the fever very well. She whimpers, and moans, and it's all so sad.