A Visit From An Unwelcome Bug

Every year a bug comes to town that has been hibernating all year long in anticipation of a whole new start around Oct through May. It has been making this annual pilgrimage since the beginning of time and as of yet has not been conquered.

Yes, the bug I’m speaking of is our common flu that wears a variety of disguises and keeps our medical researchers on their toes in search of an elusive cure.

The flu - like the golf ball - continues to humble the mightiest of humans. We can eat healthily, exercise, move to a health farm, live in the desert, but all it takes is a passing stranger with a handshake of introduction, a lover’s kiss, a night of passion or a visit to the store while on the way to a well-heated office complex in our heated car, and it spreads like a wild fire out of control, raging for months devouring both human and mammal in its path.

The Flu first got its name in Italy in 1743 when an epidemic swept through Rome. In those days it spread quickly via conquering armies and pilgrims. Today it travels by planes, trains and automobiles, plus work alcoholics who have no thought for their fellow workers but want that cert at the end of their careers that states they never missed a day. But into today’s corporate climate they are bound to get a pink slip anyway.

The drug companies love the flu bug, as do the undertakers. It’s a booming trade with huge profits at the end of the fiscal year. I often wonder if a cure was found how many people would be out of work. Our modern high tech, well insulated, climate controlled home homes are an excellent breeding ground for the profit making parasite.

Why am I writing about this little fiend, you ask? It has been by my constant companion these last 2 weeks. Everything - from head to chest and limbs - has been affected by this microscopic runt. All I have been able to accomplish during this involuntary sojourn is sleep, finish my mandatory taxes, and watch countless movies ( a plus). I wanted to write so badly but my head ache pushed my creativity way below par.

So what good has come out of my constant companion who, even as I write, shows no signs of vacating my shrinking frame? Well I have lost about 9 lbs (Jane Fonda eat your heart out.) With my pale complexion I would be accepted into Victorian society; of course they would not be amused with my coughs and sneezes. My knowledge of American movies has vastly improved. The constant swooning in my head keeps me oblivious to the realities of the world around me.

My wife has played the part of Florence Nightingale and deserves three Oscars - one for TLC, one for encouragement and one for putting up with world’s grumpiest old man.

Until healthier times, thanks for dropping by have a great week. :0)

Tags: the flu bug