Influenza

It all started Sunday afternoon. I was working on lesson plans and grading papers when I got slammed by a sore throat, runny nose, and aches. Although I didn't feel great, I didn't pay much attention to the cold-like symptoms because I have been suffering from a cold since I started teaching my germ-carrying fourth graders. It wasn't until Sunday night that I began to think I had more than a cold because I started experiencing chills and body aches. I was shivering to the point that my teeth were chattering! My aches were so bad that the weight of my clothes felt uncomfortable on my skin!

If you know me, you know that I am a really "good" sick person. I can pretty much fight through sickness and tough it out at work. This time was different...I went to bed Sunday night contemplating if I should call out sick on Monday. Just thinking about taking off work for being sick was a red flag for me!

I took off Monday and made a doctors appointment for the same day. After a long wait at the doctor's office, and a very uncomfortable nose swab, I was informed that I have influenza. My doctor told me that I wouldn't feel well for about 5 days and will not feel back to normal for about 2 weeks! YIKES! My first question for her was, "I am a teacher, when can I go back to school?" She got wide-eyed and said, "Not tomorrow! You are contagious for 2 - 5 days and it would not be good for you to be around your students." She even asked if I needed a note for work...it made me feel like a kid.

As I told people that I came down with the flu, they were thoroughly mistaken by what the flu really is! A lot of people think I have stomach issues and vomiting. That is not the flu! People may call that the stomach flu but it is in no way connected to the flu...as in influenza...the virus you get flu shots to prevent! I am glad I had some idea and got to the doctor's quickly!

I took off work today as well and I am playing it by ear to see if I will go in to school tomorrow. A few days off work would normally be nice, but this is the worst time of year to miss days with my kids! First, I have a bunch of tests to prep them for (CAT, CRTS, etc,) Second, the end of the year is creeping up on me. And third, it is beautiful here in Nebraska (60's) and my class can finally enjoy some time outside on the playground and I am stuck inside! The main reason I don't like being sick (except for not feeling well) is that I am supposed to sit at home and rest. I don't like to rest! Last night I was about to start laundry and Kevin looked at me sternly and said, "Just go rest! You have the flu! You are not being lazy, you are sick!"

It is 7:50 am on Tuesday and I am already antsy! Maybe I will do a load of laundry : )

Pray for Kevin that he doesn't get sick, it would be an even worse time for him to miss days with his students.