Summer Ends with a Whimper

I whimpered my way to the end of summer.

Summer Term II ended on August 9, 2024, and a few days later, I developed a headache and sinus congestion. I assumed the headache resulted from severe allergies, which would be expected for this time of year. After reading that the latest COVID variants can resemble a cold or allergies, Susan suggested I take a home test. Sure enough, I had COVID… just in time for my single week off from work this summer.

I know something about bad headaches. This was a bad headache. I also couldn’t take deep breaths without coughing. As the girls returned to elementary and middle school, I was in bed for most of three days.

Everyone in the family receives vaccinations and boosters for anything and everything. We make for good medical patients. Susan and I are on the six-month schedule, especially since I have several of the “high-risk” markers that concern my doctor. I see my doctor every three months, with the most recent visit July 30! During that visit, I asked about the next round of COVID boosters and my annual flu shot. The doctor said the next shots would be available in October.

We don’t hang out in crowded restaurants. We avoid peak shopping times. We’re homebodies as a family, yet I managed to get sick.

Thankfully, it was over quickly. Susan didn’t want to listen to me whimper for a full week. Paxlovid, the trio of pills my doctor prescribed, might have worked because by Thursday morning, I tested negative for COVID and was feeling better. The doctors also said being vaccinated likely helped.

I had plans for this week. With the girls in school, I was going to edit some long-delayed podcast episodes and work on the various blogs I maintain. Instead, I wheezed, whimpered, and slept.

Getting healthy just in time to go back to work? That’s not the ideal vacation.

There’s more to share, but for now, I’m glad to be up and semi-productive.