Beware, folks. That nasty flu bug is everywhere. And it is a nastier one than usual. Usually when we pick up one of the those winter viruses, it’s a head cold, some cough, maybe a sore throat—or if we’re really unlucky—nausea and vomiting. Double yuck.
Unpleasant, nasty, and usually only makes us uncomfortable for two or three days. Four or five, max. Well, not this flu. It hangs in there for 7 to 8 days. It brings a deep, rattling cough, congestion, and fever. In fact, that feverish feeling was with me for six days! Unbelievable. Along with the cough and everything else, of course. Loss of appetite (not entirely a bad thing) and absolutely zero energy. Not good when you’re at a business conference and have to be “on” at certain intervals.
My traveling buddy, fellow mystery author Deb Baker, and I had to resort to escaping into our hotel room each afternoon at the second conference in Denver, Left Coast Crime. We were both sick, so we made quite a pair. We put on our pjs and rested for about two hours so we could re-charge for the evening activities.
Of course, I had the flu shot, but like they’ve been saying these “other” viruses are entirely different. And it seems like we get more and more every year. My Doctor of Internal Medicine daughter Serena fussed at me for continuing my conference working schedule. She warns that one of these days a real flu epidemic will come along and we’ll all spread it to each other because we keep on with our grueling schedules even though we’re sick. We’re conditioned to fulfilling our obligations, I guess.
She’s right. And I know she’s right. So, I promised her that I would never “travel sick” again. I think we’re all going to have to change our ways. It’s getting scary out there.
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Maggie, you poor dear. I know how awful it is to be sick on the road. (Remember me at Malice last year?) And you’re lucky it was with you only 8 days. I’ve heard this nasty bug can stick around for 4 weeks! And I totally agree with you — sick people need to STAY HOME.
I’d also recommend taking a very good probiotic every day. Immunity is 80% in the gut, so it makes sense to me to keep the intestines healthy.
Hope you are feeling AOK now. See you at Malice!!
Kate
by Kate
on March 11th, 2008 at 11:43 am
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I work in a plastic surgeon’s office and was made to wear a surgical mask ALL day on friday while seeing patients. Then I was sent home early and had to cancel a date with my hubby. Total bummer.
Although not 100%, I am feeling better and thanking my lucky stars it was only a head cold.
Feel better soon!!
by debbie
on March 11th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
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Hi Maggie,
I hope you are feeling better. Yes, the cold/flu this year is really, really bad. Rest up as much as you can. I know it must have been rather miserable going to your conferences. It is such a shame because I sense you do like traveling to and attending the conferences. Take Care!
by Linda
on March 11th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
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You have my sympathies entirely - almost without fail, any infection I get (cold, flu, whatever) goes to my chest and then stays there awhile…I am still trying to get rid of my most recent cough. I hope you clear up soon!
by Rudolf
on March 11th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
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Kate—I think I may start taking those probiotics. I’m so health conscious otherwise and take lots of vitamins and stuff so I might as well add that.
by Maggie
on March 12th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
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Debbie—lucky indeed. You’ll know it’s flu when you get feverish. Head colds don’t do that (to me at least). Only flu nbrings me fever.
by Maggie
on March 12th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
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Thanks, Linda—yes, I’m much better. Still taking some Tylenol cold pills for that cough. Nasal congestion too. But my energy level is still zapped. Don’t even have the energy to do my regular morning workout yet. I’m hoping to try it tomorrow for half-time.
by Maggie
on March 12th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
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Take care of that cough, Rudolf. And make sure the doctor checks your chest if it goes for a while. Better safe than sorry, my Grandmothere always said. (Now I say it. )
by Maggie
on March 12th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
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Maggie, I hope you’re doing better now! Being at a conference while sick is no fun! I know. Gosh, do I know. I hope you’re taking it easy now, resting as much as you can!
by Heather
on March 14th, 2008 at 10:45 am
