Influenza

My encounter with a RNA virus was a quiet one. A tickle in my throat was its only signal. It was Thursday night and I was at home, feeling weird. The next day my throat was a little sore. “Damn those cells,” I said, “they must be having parties up in there while I’m sleeping.”

I had Chipotle for lunch with Lizzie, a friend from out of town. Then I said hello to Shilpa as she was passing through, and needed a spot of help with her trusty Powerbook. That evening my throat was sore and acidic, a unholy mixture of Influenza and Chipotle. But I wouldn’t know how unholy until the next day.

The next day came, I felt worse.  Paged Leah and we arranged that I’d pick her up (since I had the car).  So I did.  Armed with Subway sandwiches and movies we returned.  Not long after that, I began my descent into RNA hell.

A couple hours later I had a fever of almost 104 degrees.  I didn’t emerge from that thicket until four days later and two vacation days poorer.  Not once in those days did my body temp ever go below 100 degrees (maybe 99.9).

The influenza virus is not to be trifled with, mere humans.  Run and vaccinate yourselves!  While you can!