Earlier this week I had a bout with what I think was RSV. The symptoms were slight, more like a mild chest cold, and lasted only a couple of days. It didn’t impact my functioning as my husband’s CarePartner other than I was worried that I might give it to him. Isolating isn’t always useful since by the time I realized I was sick, he had already been exposed. It was no surprise when he woke up this morning and told me he is feeling “crappy all over”. His balance is off and he is lethargic. No fever as yet, but has all the other signs that he may have a virus coming on.

The good thing about this is that I am feeling better and can step up my care to be here for him. I am reaching out to his doctor today but without a fever I suspect the recommendation will be bedrest and fluids. I would rather not take him out while he is feeling bad, it is too difficult for us to navigate. Visits to urgent care facilities and ER’s are distressing and, in my opinion, they often put us at greater risk.

What will have to happen today is that anything I had planned will be postponed. My primary role will shift into caregiver as I help him get through this. I will need to pay particular attention to his med schedule and make sure he stays on track. Exercising and other tasks will go out the window until he regains his strength and stability. Housework can wait, my husband’s well-being can’t.