This is a multipurpose post.

First off, I am writing from a calmer place than I was yesterday, as Herr Meow is not as sick as he was.  Life is extra cruel than usual when it forces you to watch those little beloved people suffering and in pain, and it's really weird how the thought soundtrack goes inside.  Yes, you really just bargained with a Higher Power that may or may not exist.  Yes, you just thought about how it would be better if you were the sick one.

Although now that we have that weird convalescing lull, I kind of take it back a little: I don't want to come down with his flu.

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Since we're in the Northern Hemisphere, we're getting into the cold, tilted-away-from-the-sun part of our yearly cycle and therefore into the season affectionately known as "Flu and cold season."

But as I watched Herr Meow develop an intense fever along with a runny nose and coughing and a curious détente in his priggishly obnoxious ways of, say, denying and declining everything, I couldn't help but realize that this was not something like the regular runny-nosed colds he's had in the recent past.

I was seeing the development of a massively, monstrously savage flu; one that will probably fell me within the coming week, and one whose effects will be felt for the rest of the month.  One that I've already passed on to the drive-through attendant and to the grocery store cashier and to whoever touched the train pole after I did, because that's how amazing, evolved, and vicious this virus is: a virus that is able to be its most (pardon the pun) virulent even before you know it's taken over your body.

If you'd like to read more about the difference between the flu and a cold, go to this link from Dr. Greene, who explains it very well.  And seriously, wash those hands this season, people.  Oh, and don't abuse antibiotics, you putzes who might, not realizing that antibiotics kill bacteria and not viruses.  For shame.

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While I have your ears and eyes and we're on the subject of antibiotics, might I also bring to your attention that there is a scary killer out there and that you can do much to prevent it from ever affecting you: the killer is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MSRA, which is a type of potentially deadly infection that does not respond to typical antibiotics.  MSRA can be spread in public places such as locker rooms or dressing rooms or by sharing athletic equipment and by not properly protecting wounds or cuts while you engage in activities outdoors or in the community. 

I urge you to visit the Stop MRSA now website and educate yourself.  Also, please follow these rules and make them part of your everyday routine to stay healthy:

•  Scrub up – Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand rub sanitizer.
• Wipe it down – Use a disinfecting bleach solution to wipe down and disinfect hard surfaces. (1 tablespoon of disinfecting bleach diluted in 1 quart of water)
• Cover your cuts – Keep any nicks or wounds covered with a clean, dry bandage until healed.
• Keep to yourself – Do not share personal items, like towels or razors, that come into contact with bare skin.
• Use a barrier – Keep a towel or clothing between skin and shared equipment.

Keep yourself and your loved ones healthy this winter and all year round. 

I'm sending you all who read this good health vibes– because you really don't know how precious it is until it's threatened in even the smallest of ways.

13 Nov This entry was published on November 13, 2008 at 7:08 pm and is filed under Public Service Announcement Dharma. Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post.