A gang of inluenza virions earlier today. Bastards.
Since Saturday, I’ve been laid low by lurgy, specifically ‘flu.
Like most men, I’m a terrible patient and Ele’s had to put up with a lot of whimpering, mewling and general ‘take care of me’ whimsy.
I suspect I caught it in the viral gang-bang that is central London, probably on the demo. I’m afraid I’ve been very dull and caught ‘flu at the end of the season:
The illness even has its own season – from November to April, with most cases occurring between late December and early March.
(Source: KidsHealth)
So far, I’ve had these symptoms:
fever
chills
headache
muscle aches
dizziness
loss of appetiteĀ
tiredness
cough
sore throat
runny nose
weakness
Thankfully I’ve not had any vomiting or diarrhea, though I did have a bit of delerium, which was horrible. And a lot of bone ache. I can feel the inside of my shoulder bones when I move my arms. It’s most disconcerting.
At the same time, I do find it fascinating that inside my body, there’s a bitter war going on. My body is now pumping out antibodies tailored to the specific virus that’s invaded it. Pretty marvellous, really.
But the virus itself is quite amazing. Such a tiny scrap, a few bunches of RNA, and it can cause such disruption (millions of deaths) just by carrying out the only form of reproduction it can: hijacking animals’ cells and getting them to make its babies.
For your listening pleasure, I’ve made a little recording of my current respiratory state:
Hope you like it. Maybe I should put a funky backbeat underneath it or something? Could be a hit!
I’m looking forward to getting better and gambolling in the sunshine once more, like a tubby lambkin.