Colds/Flu among family members - HELP
I have MS, get my annual flu shot, am feeling fine but my spouse awoke with a pretty bad cough etc. He never gets the flu shot, and is terrible about taking his own health seriously. I spend most of my winters in my own home because the flu gets to be so bad and people don't stay home and isolate themselves. Now I likely have it in my own home! He refuses to do anything about it. I've had to beg him just to cover his mouth when he coughs. He rolled his eyes when I got Lysol wipes out and used them on the doorknobs and the remote.
What do you guys do when family members are this insensitive to our risks? I have a pretty "invisible" case of MS so he definitely thinks I'm making things up half the time, even though I have taken him to my appointments and my neurologist has confirmed multiple times that I have MS. His denial is maddening.
Should I just go to a hotel and hide out for a week? I'm thinking there might not be any other options...
Tamara
Hi Tamara. I am sorry your husband isn't more understanding about your health. Unfortunately, it sounds like you have done all you can to help your husband understand your situation. As far as avoiding catching any illnesses, I think you are on the right track. I also use Lysol wipes quite liberally when someone in my house is sick. Here are some tips from one of our contributors that you might find helpful -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/helpful-suggestions-battle-cold-flu-season/.
Just do your best to take care of yourself (eat well, stay hydrated, and get as much rest as you can) and I hope you manage to avoid illness. This year's flu strain seems to be especially nasty.
I do hope our members can offer some input on your situation, both about lack of spousal support and avoiding getting sick.
Good luck!
Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.
