For the last few days, I have been revisited by the body-crushing virus that I have christened ‘The Boomerang Virus’.
(Because it keeps coming back of course)
It has a distinct combination of symptoms, and once they appear, there is no mistake that it has returned.
Hot, painful, and watery eyes.
High temperature followed by feeling ice cold.
Weakness, tiredness, and lethargy.
A sore throat that feels like broken glass.
Random coughing fits that can last for up to fifteen minutes.
Yesterday, I was in bed for almost 20 of the available 24 hours. And for 16 of those 20 hours, I was asleep, in something akin to a feverish coma. I only emerged to take Ollie for a 90-minute walk, and later to eat dinner. I am taking the usual shop-bought medications to reduce the effects of a runny nose, and a headache that feels like an Eagle’s claw around my skull. They are helping a little, but I suspect it must be left to run its course, like the last time I had it. Meanwhile, much of my normal life has been put on hold, not unlike waiting for a delayed train, on a windy station platform.
So many people now have this here, that I am beginning to wonder if it is biological warfare, gone wrong.
I am unable to concentrate on anything for too long. So no reading, very little TV, and no long sessions on the blogs. Sitting in my office chair for more than an hour is too uncomfortable, and lack of enthusiasm and energy means that nothing else gets done at all.
To everyone who is awaiting the next part of my current fiction serial, I apologise. I haven’t been up to writing it, sorry to say.
If I feel better later tonight, which seems unlikely at the moment, I will try to get it done.
Gosh, that sounds awful. I hope you are feeling better now.
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Unbelievably, I still cannot shake the cough, Abbi. But I no longer have a high temperature, which is a great relief. 🙂 It has gone on since Christmas, on and off.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Oh my dear, Pete! Sorry, for the late revisiting. Hope you are better now. Best wishes, Michael
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I have lost the cough at the moment, but still have the rest. 😦
Thanks, Michael.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Wish you best, for full recovery. Make a gift to Ollie, the viruses will love him, too. 😉 or better 😦 Have a nice day! Michael
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Sorry to hear you’re experiencing The Boomerang Virus! I wish you good and better health. Over this period I’ve been reading your blog and short stories, Pete, I’ve really come to like you a lot. It has actually even occurred to me to emulate you and start a blog. However, the older I get, the more reclusive I get, so I don’t have “outside” stories. (My doctor says I should “get out more,” whatever THAT means.) As to the blog, the only thing that REALLY interests me is dogs — and I’m clearly not an expert on dogs (but I’m willing to learn). And the owner of the building where I live won’t let me have one! Not real sure what to do next. Do you have any thoughts to offer? Enough lamenting. I’m enjoying The Old Remington, and expecting you to soon be “fit as a fiddle”! Ollie and I need you.
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Thanks so much for your lovely comment, Mona.
If you can’t get a dog, maybe you could volunteer as a dog walker, or as a trainer for dogs for the blind. Even perhaps help out in an animal shelter? You could get to be around dogs without having the same responsibility for them.
I would suggest that you start a blog. Even if nobody else ever reads it, (I would) you will find it cathartic, and liberating. As for having no ‘stories’, you do have them. You have a life experience, you get up every day and do ‘stuff’, and you have thoughts, opinions, and dreams.
Start a free blog, try a couple of posts. You have nothing to lose, and maybe a lot to gain.
Other than taking Ollie for his walks, I am also considered to be ‘reclusive’, so we have that in common.
If I can ever be of help, or if you just want to chat, away from the blog, please email me at this address. petejohnson50@yahoo.com I will always be happy to correspond with you. 🙂
Very best wishes, Pete. x
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You stated — ” ‘The Boomerang Virus’”
My response — Great name or it!
Next time try a teaspoon of baking soda mixed in a half glass of water. 😉
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That’s an interesting tip. I have never heard of that for a cure. 🙂
I’m glad you like my nickname for the virus.
Best wishes, Pete.
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A doctor was reporting it as a cancer cure/prevention method but I tried it one day when I had a bad flu and it knocked it out fast.
Since then I have been telling others about it.
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Sounds great. I will remember that advice. Thank you.
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gosh-I am so sorry. I do hope you feel better soon. I am loving the serial , but will wait patiently til you are better.
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Thanks, Michele. I am cracking on with the serial now. I am trying to fight the virus by increasing the tablets! 🙂 (I missed writing too much to leave it. )
Best wishes always, Pete. x
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Sorry to hear my friend…please take care and get well soon….chuq
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Thanks, chuq. A feverish night, followed by taking a small ‘overdose’ of flu relief tablets. (On purpose)
I have to try to break this thing, before it breaks me. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Stay warm and rest some rest…..be well….chuq
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I hope you get well!
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Thank you, Siri. I will just have to wait this one out, I suspect.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Gosh, I am so sorry, Pete!
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Just a really bad flu, Cindy. But it keeps coming back! Never mind, it can’t last forever.
At least I hope not. 😦
Best wishes, Pete. x
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I hope you don’t rush yourself. Take the time to really shake the thing for good.
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I have had so much sleep over the last two days, I had to stay up this evening.
But I am certainly taking your advice. 🙂
Thanks, Elizabeth.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I hope you get rid of it soon, Pete. A friend seems to have the same thing. He thinks he getting better then it floors him again. He’s getting worried as he’s going to run the London marathon and has now lost weeks of training.
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Maybe he should rethink the marathon, Mary? That’s not the best idea when he has been so ill.
Best wishes, Pete.
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It’s in June so still doable – if he recovers soon and can regain his strength to start training again. He is pretty fit but this virus thing really flattened him – as you know yourself.
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Well good luck to him. But i do remember how many people had serious problems, even some of them dying, when unprepared for the marathon. Most were outwardly fit and well, too. Perhaps a check-up, before travelling to London?
Best wishes, Pete.
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His girl friend’s a doctor so let’s hope she’s keeping an eye on his health!
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In that case, I will shut up! 🙂 🙂
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Feel better soon, Pete. This winter’s virus has been awful.
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Thanks, Sue. It’s the third time for my wife. She has had it since late November! (And she had the Flu jab!)
Best wishes, Pete.
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I did too… on both counts. It’s lousy.
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Exercise self-care. Hope you feel better soon.
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Thanks, Maggie. Waiting it out, and hoping it doesn’t come back. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Hope you feel better soon Pete
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Thanks, Hamstall. It’s just a matter of time, unless it comes back again! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Sorry to hear this, Pete. It’s the season in the US as well – no matter what you do, it’s a “Russian Roulette” situation where you just wait to see when it’s your turn to get hit
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So many of us have got it, that’s probably why we are constantly reinfected by others. It’s wearing indeed.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Look after yourself Pete, don’t rush things. I had a similar bug in the summer 2 years ago and although the cold/fluey part went after a week or so I was left feeling tired and lethargic for about a month! Didn’t even have the energy to read blogs let alone write them. Keep warm and rest and take loads of fluid and stay away from the computer!!
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I was away from the computer for most of the day. I went back to bed for a big sleep, then took Ollie out. But I am drawn back, to continue my serial! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Naughty!
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A good hike in the dry desert air might do you some good…
I’d like to chime in with the others here and wish you a speedy recovery. But I’d also like to compliment you on some great imagery in your description of the effects the virus is having on you. At least the virus hasn’t affected your writing skills!
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Many thanks, David. Back at the keyboard after a long sleep, and a brisk walk with Ollie. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Oh no Pete! Sorry to hear it. 😦 Hope it passes soon. Take care.
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Thanks, Susanne. It will go soon, but I just hope it doesn’t boomerang back! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I’ve often wondered if some of today’s more vicious bugs have escaped from some sinister military laboratory. I hope this one leaves you in peace soon.
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Thanks, Annabelle. If I lived closer to Porton Down, I would be genuinely worried. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Oh Dear. I’m so sorry Pete. Just take care of yourself.❤️
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Thanks, Kim. Just have to wait it out. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Like GP Says, we are not going anywhere, rest and take care of yourself.
Warmest regards, Theo
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Thanks, Theo. Back at the keyboard, after a big sleep. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Sounds nasty. Be aware if it’s flu you can feel depressed for a week or so after recovery. I once went back to work, had a trip to London scheduled, and had to go sit in the loo at Kings Cross Station for half an hour before feeling able to face anything.
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That sounds like a bad bout, Tasker. We have both had this already. In fact, my wife is on her third round. We did experience that mood change, though it was more lethargy, than depression.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Maybe you should try to prevent getting it by taking vitamin c before. Meanwhile, get better soon!
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This seems to have hit everyone, whatever they take to prevent it. My wife had a vaccination late last year, and she still got it. 😦 Thanks, Marina.
Best wishes, Pete.
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We were all sick over Christmas as well. Some had flu, some gastritis, and a couple of unlucky ones got both!
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At least my stomach is OK. So far. 🙂
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Hope you feel better soon! Xxx
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Thanks, Suzi, that is very kind of you. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Get well soon, dear Pete. And don’t worry about continuing your story – we will wait with pleasure. ❤
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Thanks, Kerin. I want to carry on with it, as I am enjoying writing it. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Get better soon build up immune system with b12 and turmeric and hibiscus
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Many thanks, Felicity. I was considering boosting myself with some red wine later. I could add a pinch of turmeric. (Maybe not. 🙂 )
Best wishes, Pete. x
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Red wine good – but seriously turmeric is really good – you want to kill inflammation in your body. B12 does that as well! Not hard to get over the counter and a great daily boost.
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I do already take B12, and will think about Turmeric. I was only joking about the red wine. I had some on Thursday. 🙂
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Just take care of yourself, Pete. We’re not going anywhere.
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Thanks, GP. I actually miss my writing, when I don’t feel up to it. So I may do some later. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Look after yourself, Pete…
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Cheers, Sue. Doing nothing seems to be the best cure. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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That’s the best cure – rest. Get well soon Pete.
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Thanks Arlene. I am just up to take Ollie out now. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Hope your feeling better soon Pete.
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Thanks, Ian. Just got up to take the dog out. I hope I am not seduced back under the duvet when I return. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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Mine hasn’t gone away yet to boomerang back, don’t think I can cope with a 2nd round! Fingers xt for you feeling better soon Pete.
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Thanks, FR. We both got it back, and Julie is on her third round of it now! Bloody awful…
Best wishes, Pete.
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OMG! 😕
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No hurry- treat it as a weekly serial – rest is about all you can do for those sorts of virises. Get well soon.
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I enjoy writing it too much to wait a week, Janet. 🙂 Had to get up to take Ollie out, so might start on the serial when I get back.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Get well soon, Pete!!! :–)
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Thanks, Sam. Just up and about for some lunch. Ollie has to go out too. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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I’m cautious about commenting, just In case I catch it; between you and FR I feel I’m pushing my luck!
Mind you I seem to be immune from most things at the moment, having just brought the kids (and Gosia) back from hospital after a nasty bout of Rotavirus. I am the last man standing awaiting my fate.
Get well soon Pete.
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Glad to hear the family are home and doing better Eddy.
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Thanks Frags 🙂
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Sorry to hear that mate. I had no idea. My very best to you all. 🙂
Cheers, Pete.
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There all better Pete, its you and FR that I’m worried about now 🙂
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Get better soon!
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Many thanks. Just surfaced for some lunch and a hot drink. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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