One Flu Over the Cuckoo's Nest

I apologize for the absence of blog posts recently. The reason is that, first, we were away on an epic trip to Israel, which I was very excited to share with you, but the day we came back, I was struck with an even more epic case of the flu (a very special variety that included both gastro and respiratory symptoms!). And yes I did get a flu shot, but it's not a guarantee, obviously.

In case you think the flu is just a bad cold, I am happy to clear up the misconception. It is not, it is HELL ON EARTH! I can tell you I have never been so sick for so long probably in my life (and I had strep throat and mono simultaneously as a kid!). Last week I spent many days basically in a fetal position. My days were full of chronic diarrhea, painful abdominal cramping, nausea, lack of appetite, throbbing head pain, fever (chills/sweats), coughing, congestion, and sore throat. At no time was I actually worried for my life, but I did think about ending it! Goodness knows if I didn't support the idea of assisted suicide before, I do now! (I always have, actually). Even though I knew I would get better, I felt so miserable that it became hard to imagine feeling normal and healthy again.

Even now, I am still not 100%. I still have several bouts of diarrhea every day, but I am able to eat more foods (I went 2 weeks without eating vegetables!). I am also still super congested, have the pounding head, and the cough. I would say my energy isn't back to normal yet either. I also am weak since I've missed so many workouts. But I know I will get that back eventually.

So, given that I got the flu shot and still got the flu this year, will I get it again? Hell yes! This was a horrible, horrible, horrible experience, and even if I only decrease my chance of getting the flu again by 1% its worth it!!!

Go get your flu shot 💉💉

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