The F Word

After being diligent about getting a flu shot in the early fall each year, Influenza A outwitted me by showing up early, bringing with it great misery. A nasty sinus infection (something I've had a lot of since moving to Texas, the allergen capital of the United States) took me to an urgent care Friday evening. I received a steroid injection and prescription for antibiotics,  which I took over the weekend. But by Monday morning, I was feeling different indeed, overwhelmed by fatigue and body aches. Off I went to my primary care practice. While waiting for the flu test results, I actually fell asleep on the exam table!

Tamiflu is supposed to help you recover more quickly, but that remains to be seen. Although I'm doing less coughing and blowing, I ache all over in ways I've never experienced. Last night, I sank gratefully into a hot bath, hoping to soak away the pain, which has been unaffected by doses of Tylenol and Advil. It helped a bit and I was able to sleep soundly. I do have periods of time when I have a bit of energy, but it doesn't last long and soon I'm back on the couch.
I've had to defer work on a freelance writing project because it takes too much energy.

Andy has had to take over getting our four-year-old grandson off to school in the morning. Usually he comes to us in his PJs at 7:15, but I didn't want to expose him to the flu, so Andy goes there instead, fixing him breakfast, getting him dressed for another day at The Primrose School, and returning him home after school until a parent arrives.

I'm sure this will all eventually go away and I can return to normal, but I may still have days of feeling lousy ahead. My advice? Get your flu shot as soon as possible.