Well, based on the fact that I slept until 2:30 in the afternoon yesterday, had a 101-degree fever, chills, headache, cold and extreme fatigue, I’m calling it as I see it – I’ve got the flu, again. Couldn’t get a doctor’s appointment yesterday afternoon, so I’m going this morning. Still feeling incredibly crappy, but with a lower fever. Wonder if they’ll bother to swab me to see if it’s “regular flu” or swine flu. Last time I went to the doctor with the flu, I couldn’t even get the antiviral prescription filled, as the pharmacy was out of it. And you’re supposed to take it no later than 48 hours after the onset of flu-like symptoms.
Except for last fall/winter, when I got the flu shot, I’ve been a top target for the flu, getting it at least once per season, and more often than not, twice. I was on the list for the seasonal flu shot, but it’s been five weeks and I got no phone call to get stabbed in the arm. I guess my body just refuses to fight off this kind of illness. This despite the fact that I’ve been a maniac with the hand sanitizer at work for the past year or so.
Here are a few tips for stopping the spread of the flu — trust me, you don’t want it:
1. Wash your hands often with soap and water, and supplement with alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Cover your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and throw it out immediately. My father likes to throw tissues in the toilet to really contain any germs.
3. Avoid touching your face Putting your hands on your mouth, nose and eyes just gives the germs an easy way in to your body. I’m a face-toucher, so that’s probably my main problem.
4. Stay home if you’re sick. Don’t go to work or school, as that will cause the flu to spread to others.
5. Avoid contact with sick folks. Easier said than done if you have a spouse or children at home.
6. See you physician. Your doctor can prescribe antiviral medicines like Tamiflu to help manage your symptoms.
Hopefully I’ll be over this quickly, because being sick is no fun… no fun at all. I’d rather be at work!
