Something In The Air

Poor Edward. He's still 80% insane so I took him back to the pediatrician who confirmed that his ear continues to look terrible despite the two rounds of antibiotics. She asked if his nose had been leaking that green junk for weeks and I said why yes it has and she diagnosed a sinus infection. I mentioned that his older brother has been battling the same thing for months (he has a new one now) and she said some people are just structured that way. I supose this is true but it seems odd to me. Steve just had his first sinus infection a few weeks ago. I have started getting about one a year. And now Patrick and Edward have one (well, two. one each.) Do you suppose there can be an environmental factor? A miasma? I asked Steve if thought our house might have a mold problem and he looked like I had just suggested he carries a particularly unsavory venereal disease.

"I have been inside the walls of this house," he said and when I asked if he might have spilled a lemonade or something while he was in there he challenged me to a duel.

Hence the sling (don't worry, he just pinked my shoulder) and my promise to never speak of it again but I dunno... COINCIDENCE? I think not. And! As an extra data point I was talking to a neighbor the other day and he said that he had been getting horrible sinus infections for the first time in his sixty-odd years and that he heard another neighbor had almost been hospitalized with one. Steve pointed out that our respective houses are separated by a couple of miles and that my need to find patterns is indicative of a ill-formed mind but for the record we all share a creek valley. So there. Actually, seriously, you always collectively know everything, do you think it strange that both Edward and Patrick have incurable sinus infections and is there a way to test for... whatever it is?

I called the ENT to bring Patrick back for a recheck and mentioned that I would like to bring our younger son to see her as well. The receptionist told me that our ENT's first openings were July 5th and that she was at office A in the morning and office B in the afternoon. So I scheduled Patrick for 11 o'clock at office A and then said that I supposed I could bring Edward into office B that afternoon. There was a long pause and then the receptionist said, "Ohhhhhh kaaaaaaay. But are you sure you don't want to bring them both in together? She could see one and then the other."

I just started laughing because, yes, that WOULD be easier wouldn't it?

So that's everything you need to know about mucosa and my family. Perhaps even more than you needed to know.

Stop me if I told you this before but when Caroline and Edward walked out of the building on their last day of preschool Edward paused on the sidewalk and spontaneously pumped both fists into the air, shouting "Whooo HOOO! Last day of pre'cool!"  As we drove away from the parking lot and Caroline suggested we turn left rather than right (she likes to direct me as I drive. it's... so charming) he said, "No Cayayine. That way's precool and we never going precool AGAIN."

I didn't have the heart to tell him about a little something for which I've signed them up. A little something I like to call: Summer Preschool. But it exists and they are going to do four weeks scattered thoughout the summer and I am quite certain that when Edward twigs to what I have done he is going to lose his deliciously rounded mind. 

In the meantime Patrick got out of school yesterday (he waxed philosophic: "First third grade's over, then fourth, and then the next thing you know... death") and I'm getting to enjoy all three kids together in undiluted wonderfulness. When I tell you that Patrick had bitten Edward (yes you read that correctly) by two o'clock this afternoon and by four I actually said "The next child who opens their mouth will be locked in the garage" it gives you a good sense of how the summer is going so far. Another few days of this and I swear they will all be in summer preschool plus summer pre-preschool and summer after-preschool. Even Patrick. 

We have a lilac bush that blooms a solid four weeks after every other lilac in the area and it has no scent and very little color. It's like a ghost bush. What is up with that? Should I fertilize?

Caroline shows off her summery bob... and split personality. Kai Lan? Or la femme Nikita?

 

Aaannnd... Patrick is now done with his tumbling open gym and I have sworn that I will no longer tinker with posts for days on end. Done and done. Don't forget the m-o-l-d.

PS Patrick and I have just finished listening to Sabriel, written by Garth Nix and read by Tim Curry. It was E-X-C-E-L-L-E-N-T. A well conceived, well written, well narrated tale. Although warning! warning! warning! it was very very dark. Extremely dark. Full of death and more death and animated corpses and eyes of flame and then more corpses. In this book when they talk about worse things than death they mean, really, things. worse than death - and they're not talking about rape, which I always thought was a particularly stupid male Victorian point of view. I mean really? Worse? But Sabriel. Not for the easily spooked child but - without ruining it - they don't shoot Ol Yeller and Bambi's mother doesn't die so it didn't bother me. We both enjoyed it and will be starting the second book in the series tomorrow despite the fact that I am going to have to drive all the way over to the civilized part of town where the librarians buy good audiobooks in order to pick it up.    

Comments

[HereWeGoAJen]

I read a murder mystery once where the killer put mold in the air vents. Perhaps someone is trying to off all of you? And your neighbors? Nope, that's probably too far fetched.

[Christine]

She's so gorgeous. How could you not follow her driving directions?
But yes. Yesterday morning at 7.55 my newly-minted going-to-be-a-kindergardener announced that he was boooored and asked what could he dooo. Since then, he and his sister have been driving me slowly demented. It's going to be a long summer.

[Juliag]

I'd be thinking m-o-l-d too. In fact, I have been thinking that. But my husband keeps saying, "wouldn't one of us have some adverse effects from it, like allergies or sinus infections?". Hmmm... In my massive research of mold and musty dirt basements and water damage I came to the conclusion that finished basements are the true evil in the mold dep't (we don't have one, making my husbands case even stronger, I suppose). Apparently they impossible to keep fully dry in the mold sense of dry. I'd stick a dehumidifier in yours and see how quickly the bucket fills. And if I were you I'd probably be ripping up carpets and sneaking in mold experts...but I'm not a good example...I'm forbidden by my husband and my mom from smelling "funny smells".

[Julie]

I think your lilac bush is a Japanese version. We have one, and it sounds very similar. Your post made me laugh until tears ran down my face, as usual. You're brilliant.

[Steph]

I don't know about mold . . but my friends kid had back to back sinus like infections and it turned out to be micro plasma pneumonia and she had to be treated with several courses of antibiotics. She still seems like if anyone sneezes near her she gets sick at the drop of a hat.

Another thought is that my daughter only gets sinus infections when her allergies flare up . . she is on Singulair and Nasonex and hasn't had one sinus infection this year. Hope that helps.

[winecat]

how very logical of the scheduler to figure out it made sense to bring both boys together, DUH.

Love Caroline's new do, very chic.

[Laura]

It has been a particularly wicked pollen season in Ohio -- If it is the same where you are, that could be the explanation for the sinus infections.

I love Edward's reaction to the end of preschool. It reminds me of my daughter's reaction to the end of her preschool career. She announced with a rather dramatic flair that the best years of her life were over. I didn't have the heart to tell her that her that they probably were.

[Mary]

Definitely look into the allergies. For years I have gotten a cold and then a wicked sinus infection in the fall. You could set your watch by it. Finally a doctor suggested Claritin, and I tried it and didn't get sick last fall, yay!

I have always found that the first and last weeks of summer vacation are awful. It's the adjustment. Everything in between usually goes very well.

[Lindsey]

I don't know anything about sinus infections, but I do know that a long time ago my daughter had a double ear infection that would not budge and the pediatrician gave her "old-fashioned Bactrin--works every time" (it's a sulfa drug) and indeed, it worked.

[Lindsey]

Oops, make that Bactrim.

[sueinithaca]

hmm. how clean is the ductwork in your house? Furnace filters? A/c filters? If I were a heebyjeeby, I'd lurk in there, and blow out at you at every opportunity (says the woman who is one month away from removing the furnace in favor of in-floor hydronic heating)

[Sheridan]

Just as I was sitting down to eat lunch and looking for something to read.....up pops your name in my reader. Perfect timing!

You're still my favourite thing to read....there's not a blog, a newspaper, a magazine or a book that I enjoy as much as you.

And, er, good luck with the summer holidays!

[Erika]

Hmm. Without knowing much at all about these things, I'd think that mold be more likely to cause asthma or a lung infection.

And I think I have that same lilac, and no answers. Maybe I'll call a nursery and ask.

[Jen]

The first week is always the worst. I quickly learned to put them all in some sort of a camp-y thing right away. Half day is fine -- just something that somehow takes them from the school schedule and aims them toward summer without a week of whining, biting, howling, and kicking.

One of the local universities runs this odd and short little sports'ish camp (it includes archery, for instance) and they cycle through swimming and two sports-y things and maybe a story or craft. Then they're home for lunch, but it took the edge off.

Maybe just dropping them off a couple miles from home each morning and having them find their way back? Of course, I jest. But admit it, it's a pretty good idea, right? I envision Caroline figuring out how to swing Tarzan-style all the way home -- or perhaps a high-wire act on the phone poles. Patrick would be geo-caching or orienteering and scoping out mushrooms. Edward I see with a driving cap, in one of those wee motorized cars, occasionally stopping to lie down and ponder the clouds.

Good luck -- no matter what, in a week or two they should be acclimated and hopefully healthy, too!

[Katie]

About the sinuses...has the ENT mentioned whether it could be allergies? You can develop them at any age and if untreated that can lead to sinus infections. At least that's what happened in my case. Maybe starting the boys on an antihistamine like claritin or zyrtec might be a good place to start? Good luck! Ear infections and sinus infections are no fun!

[Elizabeth]

You could have mold. Especially with the indoor water feature you described last winter and the flood of the basement. (The learning of ice dams was an interesting tidbit, as I live in SC) Seems like there were plenty of opportunities for water damage that leads to mold and mildew. I know they make mold testing kits, but I believe they are expensive and the helpfulness is being disputed on the internet.

I know allergies can lead to sinus infections, and mold can cause allgeries, so it seems to be a logical conclusion.

Perhaps you could run this theory by the ENT?

[Dead Bug]

This has been the worst year in my life for allergies, which have resulted in multiple sinus infections for both me and my kids. I'd bank on pollen instead of mold.

Our daughter ended up with multiple (six, I think?) back-to-back ear infections this last winter and we finally opted for the ear tube surgery back in February. No ear infections since.

Hope the sinuses and ears clear up soon!

[http://www.designermama-manaallamano.blogspot.com/]

I had the first sinus infection of my life this year and so has my sister-its a conspiracy of allergens!

[bethany actually]

I got sinus infections all the time as a pre-teen--probably 5-6 a year, at least. Every cold I got turned into a sinus infection. My doctor noticed eventually that every year after summer camp I'd get especially sick, and hypothesized that it might be allergies causing it. So I started getting an allergy shot each spring and fall (it's not used anymore, I imagine now I'd be prescribed Claritin or similar), and before I went away to summer camp, and I stopped getting sinus infections. Also, my parents started running either the heater or A/C all the time, instead of opening windows when the weather was mild in spring and fall, and that helped immensely too.

So, allergies? Possibly, to mold or some plant that grows in the creek valley.

I wish you all good health, in any case!

[Kara]

Get thee to Home Depot. Or Lowe's, let's not discriminate. But go! Ask where the mold test kits are! Grab one and set it up according to the directions in your house! Within 48 hours you will have a definitive answer as to whether you have a mold problem in your house. Steve can be as offended as he wants, but one simple test can give you the answer to that particular question. Whether it's ducts, the basement, or whatever, you don't need to pay several different people to come inspect different things. You can just test the air. . .and then if there is mold, you can start paying the expensive people to inspect the things and see where the culprit is. If there's no mold, then you can rule that out and maybe think about allergies or whatever else. Do it tomorrow! You do not want to mess around with mold!

[Eleanor]

I have a 3 year old who loves to direct her me & even more so, her father - as we drive too... Charming hasn't come to mind ;-)

[generic cubicle worker]

Please get someone in to test for black mold. It is insiduous; there were no signs with routine testing at my workplace but after the copier man said something had to be wrong as our new copier was full of weird crud my boss put that together with 5 employees includign me who had been constantly sick with bizarre issues.

In my case I've gone from being physically healthy except for minor stuff related to taking psych meds for years like hypothyroidism to a diagnosis of severe asthma with chemical sensitivities which have the potential to cause a fatal inability to breathe. In effect I'm dangerously allergic to things like smoke of any kind, perfume, grass (put me in the ER 2 weeks ago), any household cleaner with any scent, soaps, exhaust fumes, pollution, etc. to the point that it could be fatal. That is per the letter my dr. gave me to carry, not just me, since I wouldn't believe it until the 2nd time I a brief encounter with a chemical caused me to be unable to breathe. My car now contains inhalers, a portable nebulizer that runs off a battery and keeps me on my 4 times daily tx schedule, I have an inhaler on my person at all times except at home where it's readily accessible, and I have visible lung damage and they believe a damaged trachea as well. My whole life is changed by this.

I share this not to scare, although it is terrifying to think 8 months ago I had no breathing issues at all, but because it shows that black mold is insiduous and worth having a professional thoroughly inspect.The longer spores are inhaled the worse it is, of course, although some people are more susceptible. In my case I'd had more allergy sx since starting there but nothing major then I had whooping cough (long story) and my injured lungs and respiratory system couldn't take the mold.

Lot of weird things from people in the same area warrants checking. It's worth it even if Steve's head explodes (which would save him from further upper respiratory issues if nothing else...

[Melissa]

I worked at a job for five years right after college. Every winter, at least twice a winter, I got what I lovingly referred to as black lung. I would get a sinus infection and rattling cough that could only be killed by a combo of antibiotic, tesla bead, mucinex, and oral steroid. My doctor couldn't figure out what it was and why I couldn't shake it. I got laid off while sick. I recovered more quickly than I ever had at home (even with the stress of lost income). It's been 3 years and I haven't been sick since ( even through taking public transportation for a new job, pregnancy, and a kid Petrie dish) I truly believe it was environmental. Maybe have the air cuts cleaned?

[Sarah]

I don't really know anything concrete about mould or sinus infections, but I agree that the repeated infections could be environmental - I've been sick more times in the last two years since I started working in a wreck of a building than, well, ever. Also Caroline looks so fabulous with her bob! I hope you've managed to keep the three of them from any more biting incidents.

[QoB]

I know nothing about mould or allergies... but I wanted to say YES to Sabriel. And the sequels, do check them out as well.

Also, if you're cool with dark, you must check out Patrick Ness's trilogy beginning with The Knife of Never Letting Go. It is brilliant and masterful, though I have NO idea how they'd do it on audiobook (one of the premises of the book is that people can hear each other's thoughts, and those of some animals. The dog thinks about squirrels and peeing a lot...).

[Katrina]

I had a friend (this is not helpful) who had chronic sinus infections and no obvious allergies. Eventually - after a lot of effort - she was diagnosed as being allergic to salicylic acid. Which are in EVERYTHING (hence so difficult to diagnose) and was put on a restrictive diet. From what I can tell, she eats only meat and cashew nuts - but apparently this kind of allergy is treatable and salicylic acid intake you can get back to eating a normal diet. That didn't help at all - did it? Sorry.

[Judy]

"Certain allergens are always present. These include house dust, household pet danders, foods, wool, various chemicals used around the house, and more. Symptoms from these are frequently worse in the winter when the house is closed up. Mold spores cause at least as many allergy problems as pollens. Molds are present all year long, and grow outdoors and indoors. Dead leaves and farm areas are common sources for outdoor molds. Indoor plants, old books, bathrooms, and damp areas are common sources of indoor mold growth. Molds are also common in foods, such as cheese and fermented beverages."
http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/pediatricSinusitis.cfm

If you will go to the above link, you can find more info re pediatric sinusitis, allergies and allergens and helpful tips.
(If you live in a valley, I am guessing that some molds and allergens 'stagnate' because the wind doesn't move through enough to blow them away.)
Love your blog! It always brings a smile to my face and happy thoughts that YES! I get to read about Julia and the gang today, when I see on my reader that you've posted.
Thanks!

[Laura]

The next book, Lirael, is one of my favorites! I particularly like the Disreputable Dog and I loved Tim Curry's reading. I almost want to check it out and listen again.

[rosie_kate]

Could I dare to recommend that you take those boys to a good chiropractor? Quackery, I know, I know, but really, not gonna hurt, might help, etc. I've seen chiros do amazing things for sinus/ear problems, especially chronic infection. It helps with the structural part that the doc referred to.

Caroline is so adorable, I could just squish her.

[Kate]

Micro plasma pneumonia! That sounds like something promisingly googleable!

But I'll chime in with the allergy talk. My older brother has always had recurrent horrible sinus issues and he has finally gone to see someone about the (he was afraid they would rec'd the surgery). The doc thinks the problem is allergies even though Brother doesn't have any of your typical allergy symptoms. I would just put them all on Benadryl for the rest of the summer and see how that goes.

[Andrea]

I just started listening to bill baryons a short history of nearly everything. As I was listening, I thought Patrick might enjoy it.

[Julie]

Hmmmm. Lily is on her second round of antibiotics for her sinus infection, and I've had one since last summer (it seriously will. not. go. away). And how far apart are we? Could it be the water? We are nitrate free, but haven't tested for anything else.

[Julie]

P.S. Again, Caroline's hair. My goodness I love it. She has fantastic hair.

[craftyashley]

I would definitely look into environmental stuff. Especially because of your neighbor's stories. A family I knew had black mold in their house (and we live in the driest climate ever) due to a fault of the homebuilder. They got sinus and bronchial infections a lot. Has it been abnormally humid in your region? Or is there some nuclear plant dumping toxic green stuff into the ground water? Ok, that last one was just for my amusement. Ask your ENT about it, she may know of something specific to your area.

[libby]

I didn't start with sinus infections until my 20's, which coincided with, guess what? Developing seasonal allergies. I had been tested as a child and had none. As an adult I have tree pollen/dust mites. You can develop allergies later in life. [we always say "if you live in cincinnat long enough, you'll need an allergist."

My husband, who had no allergy problems in the bay area, moved to the midwest when we got married and started with allergies, and...sinus infections.

My youngest [2] has already had 2 sinus infections, and we suspect he is an allergy kid already.

For myself and my hubby, the trick is to stay on otc allergy meds during the high seasons. It keeps the moisture level in our head at a managable, non-bacteria forming level.

Good luck!

[Twangypearl]

Well, the allergy theory may hold water because apparently everyone's allergies are particularly BONKERS this year due to the exceptionally cold winter which delayed the pollen, making it burst forth madly, (or something. I think it's that.) all at the same time. Not good.

Hope they feel better - it's a stinker, a sinus infection. Something to do with a bend in the tubes, which makes you more susceptible, I believe.

[Abby Spice]

Over here in upstate New York, allergists are reporting seeing over twice as many patients as usual. I know several people, including me, who have never had allergy problems and can now barely breathe or swallow; my ears have had so much drainage that the pain has woken me up. At least around here, the air is broken, probably due to a year of crazy weather (and, in the end, climate change). Anyway, it sounds like it's not just weather, but I wonder if the weather is exacerbating it?

[Abby Spice]

If you do suspect allergies, try a couple of antihistamines if the first one doesn't work. I like Zyrtec, myself. With Sudafed as a decongestant. And sometimes Benadryl at night, for sleeping. I occasionally add in a glass of wine (and avoid motor vehicles), but that may not be best for Patrick/Edward. For you, dealing with all this, maybe.

[Melissa]

"I didn't have the heart to tell him about a little something for which I've signed them up. A little something I like to call: Summer Preschool." Goodness, that made me laugh out loud right at my desk.

I don't have any good info about sinus infections, but whatever you may have there that is causing them is also infecting the library I work at - two seperate people in the past two weeks. Both on antibiotics for a four-week course. I shudder to think.

[Sarah]

I know it might seem far-fetched and unrelated, but perhaps also ask the ENT about the possibility of tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy for the boy children? Do either of them snore? It's a very nasty surgery to recover from, to be sure, but it might help with the sinus infections. My son (3 1/2) was a very croupy baby/toddler and seemed to constantly be leaking green ooze from his nose. Then last year I started getting sinus infections for the first time in my life. Finally, I hauled the consta-sick, snoring-like-a-trucker child into the doctor and one x-ray later we were headed off to Children's for evaluation. He had his tonsils and adenoids out over two months ago and NEITHER of us has been sick since, despite a couple of very nasty bugs circulating our community.

[Judy]

Here's an interesting link: http://www.weather.com/activities/health/allergies/index.html?role=

Just type in your zip code and it shows you the pollen counts in your area for trees, grass and weeds. You can also get the last month's counts.

Hope this helps.

[Teri Doerksen]

I second what everyone else has said re: allergies and Zyrtec and such. Give it a try.

But I'm going to add this to the mix: is there any chance that Patrick or Edward might have a tendency toward reflux? My son (now 6) had near-constant sinusitis for years, with a croupy cough that hung on for months at a time. We used more abx on that poor kid than was at all reasonable (90 days worth between December and June one year, after his bout with mycoplasmic pneumonia).

And then we figured out that he had both allergies, which caused post-nasal drip, and reflux, which caused his sinuses to burn from the acid fumes when he slept. The burnt, weeping sinuses were a perfect breeding ground for hard-to-kill bacteria.

So we elevated the head of his bed by six inches using a crib wedge. We started giving him Zantac, with a couple of Tums right before bed. We added half an Allavert to his evening routine. And you know what? No more sinus infections. Well, maybe one in the last 3 years. But seriously, instant relief for the poor little muffin.

It's worth a try -- at the very least, an elevated bed will help them drain better. And do that black mold test, for your peace of mind. Do it outdoors as well as in. Good luck!

[Nancy K]

I never ever ever had a sinus infection until my husband and I broke up and he stopped setting up a humidifer in the bedroom. I had 4 infections in 5 months and was about to face surgery. Put a humidifer in my room and cleared up immediately. Maybe this could help your family???
LOVE YOUR POSTS!

[Shana in Texas]

I will echo the mold test and allergy theories. Ditto the joy at seeing a new post. Adore your family and love your writing. My Violet also likes to direct my driving. Would you consider Not That Way!! charming?

@Jen, I smiled at the image of Edward stopping to ponder clouds. He's wearing tweed, I think?

[Cris]

Love that you didn't hold this post for a long time before putting it up. So hilarious and I love having something new to read.

Downside? Now worrying more about the mold we found when we gutted the bathroom. Was it behind the cracked tiles or in the wet wall? No. It was in the hallway wall and although on the first floor, came from a leak long ago in the roof. The previous owner repaired the roof, but never saw / knew of the leakage into the wall. The contractor sprayed mold killer on it three different times and finally painted it over with mold blocker, then put up new drywall and then tile over the whole thing. But yet, still nervous.

I love the input from all these fabulous minds out there and their diverse experiences - it's quite a community you've brought together!

[G]

Love the Abhorsen Saga by Nix. Absolutely love it. But I think at least 8 years+ until I let my 5 year old hear it! (Reading is totally different!) Have you looked at the Full Cast Audio website? They have glorious books.

[amy]

Our son was chronically affected by colds for a series of months and we were sent to an allergist. He is now on Nasonex and has had two cold in three years.

[Kristine (Mommy Needs Therapy)]

So Noah, our 8yo, had an MRI a couple weeks ago. There were two significant findings. The first was brain damage consistent with FASD. The second was sinus inflammatory disease.

Of course the first finding knocked us totally off kilter, and we have been processing that as well as educating, scheduling appointments with specialists, etc.

Now your post just reminded me that I never asked about the sinus stuff and maybe I should check that out. I assume that is more of an acute thing and should be treatable, unlike the thoroughly preventable brain damage caused by a birth mother that drank.

Huh...maybe I should write on my own blog instead of thinking out loud here.

[amanda]

I adore you.

What I know about mold: it can cause respiratory issues. Weren't there leaks in the basement and such? And doesn't it RAIN INSIDE THE HOUSE during winter? I would not be at all surprised if you had problems. (That said, some people really are built for sinus infections. It's true.)

Unfortunately, I also know this about mold: an actual professional test is not cheap and hard to come by... by which I mean there are LOTS and lots of fakers out there who "test" for mold and happily run away with your money. I actually called a lawyer to find out who they used when seeking to prove environmental distress issues.

I lived in an older apartment building that had a leak one long rainy weekend... and I ended up being sick w/ sinus and chest infections every 3-4 weeks for a year. After I moved out I don't get them more than once a year.

A friend of ours had infections for years and years and years... chronic, terrible sinus infections. When they remolded the bathroom they found the floor was completely rotten and mold in the walls. He's a lot better now.

I'm not trying to convince you, I guess, but I am saying that anecdotally it sounds like a REALLY really good idea to test.

Oh, one more thing... the test WILL reveal that you have molds in your house. They are part of the environment everywhere. Obviously SOME are dangerous and make you sick; others are not.

[Melani]

My kids are 14 and 12 and every single year since they were in preschool the first week of summer vacation is torture. They always seem to settle in well after that until the 10 days before school starts back up again and we're once again in the world where everyone hates everybody. My son is going to high school this year (yikes!) and they have all day marching band camp for the 2 weeks before school. While that sounds like torture to me--it means that my children won't be together those normally fighting days. WooHoo! :)

If everyone in your neighborhood is struggling with sinus infections, my guess would be that something has bloomed out more than usual this spring. We've had an extremely wet spring this year and so many, many people have been sick around us. Lots of water=lots of mold. I hope that everyone gets well soon.