RETURNED TO THE DOCTOR, GOOGLED FLU

First things first:

Yesterday’s post was in need of simplifying by way of editing.  So editing is what I did, upon awakening, late last night.  And now,  moving forward ...

Thought I was getting over the flu.  Yesterday, I had reason to think otherwise.  Apparently, my original thought missed the target, because,  I got to feeling feverish, dizzied and my cough returned, and coughing up mucus, which is not even close to clear, indicates that rather than being down for the count, infection is challenging my immune system to go another round ...

So after cancelling my appointment with my therapist, back to the doctor I went after Angie offered to drive me (would I have asked for her help?  Unlikely, because my dear friend has need to work full time).  Fortunately, Angie offered, knowing that Will was scheduled to report his professional findings at

The Industrial Commission, yesterday afternoon.    So, upon returning home with a Z-Pak in hand, I began to combat a bacterial infection, which is currently attacking the bronchial network of my lungs while my immune system remains preoccupied battling the flu virus.  Geez!

As you know, when not napping, I tether my brain to two life lines, each of which saves my sanity from drowning in mental sludge.

While awake, I’m most assuredly reading or writing, so, after the doctor told me to eat more and go back to bed, I ate a banana, drank water with electrolytes and googled The Flu, and the rest of this post will quote that which I’ve sought to learn about this fierce strain of virus that’s driving droves of people into doctors’ offices, across the nation:

“It's not the virus that makes you feel miserable. The misery stems from inflammation, the result of an immune system in "code red!" All of your body's energy is being used to slay the flu; you can hardly muster the energy to walk to the bathroom.

To keep dead cell debris from clogging up your lungs, you develop a dry cough. Your throat starts to ache from the irritation, which can trigger a release of mucus. A saline nasal flush might help.

The only things that can really help you now, are your 
 antibodies and T cells, which are locking on to their targets. You're stuck in bed. (If you started taking prescription Tamiflu right away, you might recover a bit faster; otherwise, don't bother with vitamin C or other OTC fix-its. Stick with tons of fluids and rest.)

If you're really unlucky, normally harmless throat bacteria have descended into your lungs to feed on dead cell remnants, putting you at risk for pneumonia.  (Good thing I chose to see the doctor, today.). After about a week or two,

assuming you've escaped pneumonia, your immune system finally stamps out the flu virus. Whew. Your inflammation slowly subsides, as do your symptoms. But you may still be contagious for a day or two more--and it may take another week to feel like your normal, healthy self.  Moving forward,

Wash your hands. It's the single best way you can fend off a new flu virus. Scrub your mitts with soap under running water for at least 20 seconds after shaking hands with people or touching communal stuff like a bathroom stall.

Sources: David Greenberg, M.D., Sanofi Pasteur; Walter Orenstein, M.D., Emory University School of Medicine; Flor Munoz, M.D., Baylor College of Medicine; William Schaffner, M.D., Vanderbilt University School of Medicine