For the record, I actually started this post over 2 weeks ago, but I got interrupted by the flu.
Flu season is no joke. I actually got a flu shot, the same time I got a Covid booster in October. I’ve had the flu a couple of times, and it was rough, but how long it lasted seemed worse than the illness itself. Not this time.
We traveled to Florida for Thanksgiving, but we ended up coming home a day early because one of the people we were visiting got sick. Whether it’s COVID or a stomach virus or whatever, I prefer not to get it, so we bounced and came home the day after Thanksgiving.
Unfortunately, the damage was already done. Saturday was just a rude trick, making me think we’d avoided the germs.
Sunday started with a cough. I still felt decent, though.
Monday brought more symptoms, along with a fever of 102. I dragged myself to CVS for a COVID and flu test. The lab versions, so I had to wait on the results.
By Tuesday, I felt even worse and decided that I would be really disappointed if this wasn’t the flu or COVID. Still no results.
Wednesday brought test results. Type A influenza. Who knew even your teeth could hurt?
Thursday – Sunday… honestly, I don’t remember much of those days. There was an ER trip on Friday, although I actually got discharged before ever getting into an exam room. We were told that if we wanted to wait another three hours or so, I could get some IV fluids. Honestly, I’m still furious about that, and I’m going to contest the bill when it comes. I’ve never seen such a lack of compassion at a hospital. On Sunday, we went to a different ER, where I was treated for dehydration with IV fluids and given a fresh supply of anti-nausea meds. Pretty sure most of the people waiting to be seen were fellow flu victims.
It wasn’t until Monday afternoon that I finally noticed some improvement, meaning that I could actually drink and stay awake for more than 20 minutes. And from there, things gradually improved. The hardest part was the brain fog. It was so hard to think clearly or focus on anything. I couldn’t even read. My phone set off motion sickness.
Today is December 14th, and I actually left the house today to pick up a grocery order. I’m still dealing with some fogginess, but it’s a lot better. I’m able to work again, after about 10 days of not being able to. It’s been literally years since I’ve been that sick, and I’d happily never deal with that again. So when the news tells you that flu cases are crazy, they’re not making it up.
