Getting Sick of the Flu

What do phlegm and wireless keyboards have in common? I have both. As a pre-emptive strike against my flu-like symptoms, my girlfriend gave me a shot of liquid cherry death before I went to bed last night (read: NyQuil). I slept soundly until 11AM, when I awoke to a spinning room. “I’m getting sick,” I had to admit. I hate getting sick - especially when I lose my sense of taste! The daily regimen of pills would possibly stave off the impending microcellular attacks. At first, they didn’t seem to take. I wondered if all the recent air travel knocked my noggin wonky. Suddenly, in the middle of the afternoon, I got my second wind - almost as if the misfortune had reversed itself. I’m not sure what made me start to feel better, but I’m hoping that the feeling will outlast whatever’s making me ooey-gooey inside. The flu is nothing to sneeze at, although I’m not driving to Canada to get a flu shot any time soon. Needles vs. tissue paper? No contest. I’ve been congested for the past couple of days, possibly due to the influx of moisture in our region. At least I’m not nauseous (for the moment). My ears seem fine, and my throat isn’t sore - but methinks bronchitis is setting in. The next couple of days will be crucial. Will I bounce back before anything knocks me on my ASCII? Will I become a bedridden flu-forest, living on liquid and vitamin C supplements?

Growing up, it was cool to be sick. We hoped to get the flu, but only on Mondays - never Fridays. I’d take any excuse to stay home, suck on lozenges, and watch all the latest game shows. The only vaccine available was the threat of having twice as much homework when I returned. Mr. Influenza, my high school health teacher, never helped with his sinus assignments. Remedy could only be found in playing hooky. Instead of turning to the drug companies, though, I’d much prefer to use herbs and other alternative forms of medication. Did you know that a cup of frozen yogurt can reverse the effects of a cold? Not really, but it’s incredibly easy on the tongue. Like I said before, I don’t like getting sick because my taste buds go south. The worst I’ve had so far in this round is a bit of dizziness. Although, strangely, I was energized by it this morning - as if the lightheadedness wasn’t strong enough to dent my determination to get a little work done. I’m not sure what happened, but I’m hoping for a command performance tomorrow. What else could prevent feeling logy? A strong spirit only lasts so long. I don’t want to take any more medicine that renders me unconscious. Self-awareness is important for my safety. Last time I hit a fever, they found me wandering the streets with boots over my hands and a pylon on my head. Please don’t let that happen to me again?