How to Survive When Your Spouse Has the Flu

How to Survive When Your Spouse Has the Flu Relationships Spouses & Partners Print How to Survive When Your Spouse Has the Flu By Sheri Stritof Sheri Stritof has written about marriage and relationships for 20 years. Shes the co-author of The Everything Great Marriage Book. Learn about our editorial policy Sheri Stritof Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD on January 19, 2020 Sanja Jelic, MD, is board-certified in sleep medicine, critical care medicine, pulmonary disease, and internal medicine.   Learn about our Medical Review Board Sanja Jelic, MD on January 19, 2020 Sarah Kashner / STOCK4B-RF / Getty Images More in Relationships Spouses & Partners Marital Problems LGBTQ Violence and Abuse If your best friend in the world, your lover, your life-long mate, has been hit with the flu, you might suddenly find yourself taking care of a whimpering, demanding, annoying childlike adult. This doesnt mean the end of your marriage. While it isnt easy, you can survive your spouses flu. Most of the time, the flu is a self-limited infection that gets better on its own. You can help keep your spouse comfortable as the infection is clearingâ€"and rest assured  that your loved one will get better soon. Easing Your Burden When your spouse is sick, it is an extra burden on you. While your spouse will likely stay home from work, you probably cant take sick leave, and you are also going to have to pick up the slack of taking care of the house, kids, car, errands, etc. while your spouse is recovering. On top of all that, you are probably the only one who really knows how to make your spouse comfortable. So this can leave you feeling exhausted. And, you also need to try to prevent yourself and the rest of the household from catching the flu. This is a tall order, but there are some strategies you can use to survive your spouses bout with the flu. Tips for Keeping Yourself Healthy: Try to avoid getting the flu by getting a flu shot.?? It is better to do this before your spouse gets sick, but if you havent gotten around to it yet, now is a good time.When someone in the house is sick with the flu, wash surfaces with a 10% bleach solution or a bacteria-fighting cleanser.??Keep yourself well by washing your hands frequently.??Dont give your spouse a little bell to ring. No matter how miserable he or she is with the flu, you will become needlessly exhausted and irritable if you are summoned by the sound of a bell!Treat yourself to a little luxury like a box of chocolates, a glass of wine, a good book, a hot bath or shower, a nap or a favorite movie on TV. Taking Care of Your Spouse Most adults dont like to depend on others, except for their husband or wife. Your spouse will likely feel weak, tired, miserable, achy, and alternate between hunger and lack of appetite, and will lean on you for support. You can help make this flu a little easier to bear for your spouse. Tips to Keep Your Spouse Comfortable and Healthy : As soon as you know for sure that it is the flu that has downed your spouse, put a cool cloth on his/her forehead for comfort.Keep pushing liquids at your ill, flu-ridden mate. They replenish lost body fluids, electrolytes, and minerals. Sports drinks, juices, and water are okay. Dont serve caffeinated or alcoholic drinks.Serve chicken soup. It is an easily digested liquid with lots of minerals, proteins, and carbohydrates and makes you look like a compassionate, caring person even if you dont feel that way.When your spouse is feverish with the flu, a tepid bath is soothing and helpful. Lower the heat, remove the covers and have your mate take off socks and extra clothing. Rubbing alcohol baths are ?no longer recommended.Insist that your spouse rests while ill with the flu. That means minimal TV, computer, and cell phone.Think about throwing out your spouses toothbrush and lip balms or lipsticks if theyve been around for quite awhile.A humidifier can cut down on your spouses congesti on and make it easier to breathe. Be sure to change the water and clean the humidifier daily so that it will not become contaminated with bacteria.Change bed linens often. Nice clean, fresh sheets are comforting. Plump the pillows now and then.Keep your sense of humorâ€"this will pass, and there is no need to add hard feelings or mean words to your spouses headaches as he or she is recovering!If your spouse is sick with the flu for more than a week  or appears to be feeling worse, make an appointment with a physician. What to Do When Your Spouse Refuses to See a Doctor