Boycott Flu
In the winter of 1999, I had my last flu. We had traveled home from London on a 767 full of weepy, snizzelly folk. Home two days, I collapsed in a pile of fever. The flu turned into bronchitis, which turned into pneumonia. Several weeks later, I was cured, but meanwhile, I'd had to go on living--being a mom, teaching, grading papers.
I vowed that would never happen to me again. No more germs. No more flu. No more nothing.
So from that year on, I went yearly for my flu shot. No more flu. Even when the flu shot was suspect, a near miss in terms of the year's flu strain, no more flu. No writhing in headache and fever pain on the bed. No more whinging on the couch as the world went by. No more pneumonia!
Somehow, though, this year was a bust. On Saturday, there was the scratchy throat. On Sunday, there I was the weepy, snizzelly folk on the airplane. By Monday, here I am in bed, whinging.
You would think we could eliminate the flu. But it's a gross little virus, in all its myriad forms. I resent it--I think it's torture to only feel good when in the shower or drugged with decongestants.
I want a refund.
In any case, I'll be here all day, maybe longer.
Jessica
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About Jessica
Jessica Barksdale Inclán's debut novel Her Daughter's Eyes, published in 2001, was the premier novel published under New American Library's new imprint Accent. Her Daughter's Eyes was a final nominee for the YALSA Award for the best books of 2001 and best...
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I think I should make you an honorary Brit!
Sounds like you've got 'man flu' this time, J. It always happens when you relax after being on the stretch for weeks. Sign of a professional. So rest! Take your echinacea and vit C and honey and lemon and a shot of Jack Daniels when the decongestants have worn off and you'll be a new woman in no time.
Get well soon. And as regards the bugs, Nil Illegitimi Carborundum.
Very Best,
Rosy
I would love to be an
I would love to be an honorary Brit! I hope such a process involves an all expenses paid trip and a crown.
Yes, I think I pushed too hard for about two months, so I will collapse here and take your Jack Daniels advice!
I love the Latin--had to google it, though, as I'm ignorant. I won't let anything grind me down!
thanks, Rosy.
Best,
J
Jessica Barksdale Inclan www.jessicabarksdaleinclan.com
Oh, dear...
I had the flu last year-not fun.
I recommend 7-Up, Turner Classic Movies, and Jennifer Crusie novels.
Jennifer Gibbons, Red Room
My friend down the street
My friend down the street brought me some seven up, soda crackers, and soup. All I need now is to make the great trek into the living room for the old movies!
Thanks, Jennifer.
Best,
J
Jessica Barksdale Inclan www.jessicabarksdaleinclan.com
There's a backup treatment to the flu shot.
Jessica, There are alternate steps to stopping the flu. If the flu shot fails to prevent it, many times the drug Tamiflu and the like can stop the infection in a day. But you must start these treatments the first day (sometimes it will work on the second day); the sooner the more effect they are. Alas, most folk wait a couple days before seeking medical help, then it's too late for these oral treatments.
thanks, Dennis. I read
thanks, Dennis.
I read that Tamiflu was under scrutiny--and I even have a course in the house. I think it's day three of flu, so I'm sunk.
Best,
J
Jessica Barksdale Inclan www.jessicabarksdaleinclan.com
tamiflu
Several of this year's strains are resistant but it seems to be working against the new, scarey, mutant swine flu just now emerging in Mexico and now working its way north. It is supposed to be the end of the flu season but here it is again. A most sneaky critter indeed. I think I read that the active ingredient in Tamiflu comes from tamarind fruit.