I have a 5 year old and an 11 month old. I take immunosuppressants to manage a serious health condition. I've had sinus infections for 7 of the past 8 weeks, since the 5 year old started school. My teeth ache from coughing. The 11 month old has had a fever all weekend, and hasn't gone more than a 2 hour stretch without screaming. The 5 year old seems to have temporary hearing loss from being sick, and some resentment from being ignored in favor of the baby. My wife and I need to loudly yell 6-7 times between each other or the 5 year old in order to effectively communicate. I got about 3 hours of sleep tonight, and I'm thinking more about making hash browns than falling back asleep.

A similar scenario happened about 6 months ago. Of course, that round of sinus infections kicked off with a norovirus that had everyone but the baby violently exploding. It was especially fun because my wife also had a severely broken leg. She also suffered permanent hearing loss above 3.5Khz in one ear.

I am very fortunate that the company I work at has been overwhelmingly understanding and supportive.