A Viral Delay

~ beetleypete

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.

86 thoughts on “A Viral Delay”

    1. 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.

      Like

      Reply

  3. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. 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

      Like

      Reply

  10. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

        1. 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.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply

  15. 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!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. 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!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  21. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. 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.

      Like

      Reply

  33. 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.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

Leave a reply to Mona Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.