When I had the flu, I heard on the radio here and there that it’s a huge concern, so many people have it. I heard that there isn’t much you can do but rest and wait it out, and that you’ll be tired for a time afterwards.
So I worked through the first day at the office, and then alternated working from the office and my home/office connection. I thought I was resting by not commuting, and by not using the phone or talking to anyone in the office, to save my sore throat and avoid the hacking cough as much as I could. I worked in the office about 4 days in 2 weeks.
I ended up making an appointment with my GP because I advised someone else to see their doctor about something really obvious – I didn’t consider it for myself until Day 9.
Turns out, when you have the flu you need to actually lie in bed under the covers, not work for 9 hours a day or so from a home/office connection. Seriously, I never considered it. I am so used to going to work when I can barely stay awake, and eating lunch because that’s-what-happens-at-12:30pm. I didn’t take care of myself. I pushed myself, and was sick longer. Luckily, I only developed bronchitis and started medication.
It’s a bit ridiculous that I was so irresponsible. I should have gone home as soon as the flu began, or at least closed the door and put up a sign for people to call or email me that first day, which was a particularly time-sensitive day on my calendar. I am so consistent with my no-or-rare-nap practice that I didn’t do what was logical. I need to create a checklist for non-bipolar, non-migraine health concerns. I can’t get over the flu/a cold/bronchitis if I don’t acknowledge that I have it in the first place, and that it needs different treatments than bipolar or migraines. Like daytime sleep. And chicken broth.
I’ve been treated for hypomania for a month now, and still need to keep my mood first, but it’s no good looking after my mood if I don’t treat the flu that everyone but the citizens of CT have seemed to have. Mea Culpa! For goodness sake.
superfabulousgettingby 