Back in Circulation

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 So today turned out to be my big day and after two weeks in the grip of an influenza like illness (as I've seen Australian flu defined) I finally returned to the gym. When working it was accepted practice to attempt to struggle on regardless and when you did succumb to a virus, to return prematurely often causing what seemed to be a resurgence or lingering of symptoms. That said, the company of others, a change of scene and an assignment to task the brain can work wonders at uplifting the spirit.

In retirement, however, it is  easy to cosset yourself at home, break all contact with humanity and allow yourself to be nurtured slowly back to health. The trouble is staying in and warm, can become somewhat tedious after a time. Further, woe betide, if you allow yourself to fall into the trap of thinking that the older you get the longer these things take to shake off. With that mindset, I could stay in bed for months.

So a little like returning to work, I decided to throw myself back in at the deep end and to do three fitness classes this morning. As a result I talked to any number of people, smiled, laughed and got out of the sickness rut. It wasn't easy and on several occasions I thought the dreaded fever was returning, whereas  in reality whilst I was circulating with colleagues, my heart too was pumping overtime to get oxygenated blood circulating around my body and to recently unused muscles.

Consequently I returned home a trifle flushed, very tired but resolute in my determination to return tomorrow.

Comments

Jane said…
I was just debating today whether or not to get the annual flu shot offered around here. But then as I was reading the paper this morning mention was made of how bad this flu season is and too bad but this year's flu shot won't help with the varieties of flu knocking people out this winter. So, I guess I won't bother and will hope for the best. I hope you continue to improve and don't suffer a relapse!!
12 January 2018 at 16:50
Maddy said…
Sorry to hear you have been put out of action and I'm almost tempted to apologize since they are calling it "Australian". I must have seen the same article that Jane did. I wonder if deaths of elderly will go up due to others deciding against the shot?
13 January 2018 at 06:23
Caree Risover said…
I understand that is the same situation as in the UK. Whilst I don't yet qualify for a flu jab courtesy of the NHS (still too young), my husband does. Unfortunately it didn't prevent him catching my virus from me!
14 January 2018 at 22:16
Caree Risover said…
I think there are really several strains of flu type viruses circulating but as Jane says this year's flu virus hasn't provided immunity against them. Fortunately, experts think the impact has peaked in the UK.
27 January 2018 at 23:28
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