I did not get a flu shot. I guess they scare me alittle. So...the day after Thanksgiving I got "The Flu From Hell". The doctor said it would last a full three weeks. Well, I didn't get better. The dern thing turned into Walking Pneumonia. Not fun at all. At least the Xrays showed it was only in my right lung. Good, I could still use the left lung to breath.
So basically, I have been stuck at home since the day after Thanksgiving. I went to work, but I came right home. I didn't see any movies. I didn't go out to any restaurants. Canceled all my volunteer commitments. Nothing. I was to busy coughing and hacking and blowing my nose to venture out in public. And to make matters worse, Dec 19th was my 40-something birthday. And what did I do ? I made absolutely no plans, but I stayed home where it was nice and warm. No birthday party for me this year. Christmas ? Canceled everything. I was to busy trying not to overdo it or catch a chill. And now for New Years, the weather forecast says Rain in California... so I am sure my New Years will be just as uneventful.
Yeah, I am finally starting to feel better now. Maybe now I am between 75%-80%. Thanks to a prescription of super Anti-biotics from the doctor. So I am well on my way to recovery. Soon to return back to my regular life....
So with this in mind, my "Donna Recommends" notes, highlights what you need to make it through this cold and flu season. From my personal experience of being sick for over a month, but always listen to your doctor:
Absolutely Necessary:
Vicks VapoRub- stands the test of time as the best product that allows you to breath. Now in a vanishing cream so you don't feel all gunked up.
Halls Metho Lyptus Cough Drops - Get the huge bag, you'll need it
Z-Pack Antibiotics - yes, you need a prescription for these. But the 5-pack is great. You only take 'em for 5 days, but they stay in your system for up to 10 days so you don't have to remember
to take them. They made me tired, but that was about it. If you have just a virus, it doesn't help. But if you "Go Bacterial", it'll knock those bacteria right out of ya. Wonderful for Walking Pneumonia, believe me, I know.
Vitamins - Better if you take them before you get sick. "They say" if you take vitamins, then you are sick for a shorter time period, or the
cold is less bad - whoever "they" are.
For Your Runny Nose:
Puffs with Lotion - The number one softest tissue. These are really thick and heavy. Like a tissue you would find at a 5 star hotel.
Kleenex with Lotion - Soft on your nose, but alittle to thin for serious colds and flu.
Cough & Congestion:
Robittusin - Tastes terrible, but it works. Clears those lungs right up. A variety of formulas to choose from, so you don't end up taking medication for symptoms you don't have.
Vicks Formula 44 - Better tasting, but it didn't work as well as the Robittusin. Not for me anyway.
Medicine :
DayCare - Still my favorite for getting through the day at the office. In liquid, and capsule form
Coricidin - Recommended for people with high blood pressure. But way to strong for me. I was so dried up, I felt like my breathing tubes were a wind tunnel and the Santa Ana's were blowing through. Its only in a
tablet, so you can't take a lesser dose if you want.
Reading Material for staying home in bed:
Here's what I was reading while I wasn't having a birthday or Christmas
Guilty Pleasures - Chick Lit :
Bergdorf Blondes - Oh, this is such funny Chick Lit... I laughed all the way through. I loved the characters
Lucky Stars - A humorous story of an actress and her mother. I love fiction about the Acting Biz and this is a very enjoyable read !
Entertainment Reads :
There and Back Again: An Actors Tale - A must for any fan of Lord of the Rings. I especially found Sean Astin's insights into the
acting profession very interesting.
Skywriting: A Life Out of The Blue - I love biographies, and Jane Pauley tells you about her life. Very interesting.
Well, take good care of yourself, get a Flu Shot, and take your Vitamins !
Here is wishing you much health for The New Year of 2005 !
Donna
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