What’s Good About Catching the Flu?

I have to admit, I doubted whether or not I’d find things about catching influenza A that fit into my “there always something that makes me happy” philosophy, but even as I’m still in the throes of the virus, I’ve found so many things that made me happy. It would be so easy to just continue wallowing in the physical discomfort, complaining about the cough, fever, headache, body aches, laryngitis, congestion, and on and on, but all those things will resolve in time whether I complain about them or not. The virus won’t resolve any faster, nor will it hang on out of spite. It is what it is, indiscriminate of its victim, miserable, but thankfully for most people also time-limited. A full week in, it’s still hanging on, but there have been so many reasons to be happy.

First and most important, my family has not caught the flu! I haven’t been terribly vigilant about prevention, my family has hung out in the same spaces the entire time. But I have slept in the spare room so Carli might be able to sleep in peace without my constant coughing by her side. Even if there were no other reason to be happy, this would be enough. I wouldn’t wish this virus on my worst enemy, it’s pretty bad.

Second, my co-workers have not caught the flu. I was afraid I hadn’t left the office in time, worried that I might have passed it on before I knew I was getting sick. So far so good, my colleagues are in the clear. Another little victory that makes me happy. I care about these people and knowing I inadvertently gave them the flu would definitely not have made me happy!

Dogs. Our dogs certainly are good caretakers. They’ve taken every opportunity to cuddle and snuggle, giving me lots of kisses and love. Dog lovers know that dogs are incredibly perceptive. They know when their loved ones don’t feel well, or when they’re sad, hurt, depressed. They are just genuinely beautiful, caring souls, and I am constantly humbled by their devotion. Now I will say that Opal might be a little unhappy when I am well enough to go back to work. She loves all the cuddles and I can imagine her sad little face when I get in the car to go. I’m guessing she’ll forget quickly, and just go curl up in front of the fireplace for nice nap.

All the other things. The attention my family has paid to me definitely makes me happy. At risk of his own health, our son drove me to immediate care. I wasn’t dying, I probably could have skipped immediate care since there isn’t a lot you can do about the flu outside of symptomatic care, but we did want to rule out strep or COVID. The staff at immediate care were wonderful, attentive, kind, efficient. I was probably flu patient #3792 or so, and it would have been so easy to send out vibes that made them seem impatient with the whole thing, but I didn’t feel anything of the sort. I felt well taken care of and thankful for their work. My wife has been amazing, as always, and to her credit she didn’t even bat an eyelash when I asked her to bring home a loaf of white bread so I could have a piece of cinnamon sugar toast. (We haven’t bought white bread in a really, really long time!!) She’s given me both space and attention at the appropriate times without my having to ask. And flowers and ginger ale. How could I not be happy about all these things?

Finally, the cover photo of this post is a picture I took out the window while resting in the spare room. The sky is beautiful blue, and if you look closely you can see the buds on the tree limbs. Spring is coming, it always does. What better reminder that rough patches come and go, but if you can find even one or two little things that make you happy, no matter how small, they can help sustain your spirit until the waters smooth over.

Don’t forget your flu shot. Until next time, let’s be happy together…Much love!