If you haven't already, I strongly advise stocking up on flu care essentials. Now. Especially if you live alone. Flu is on the upswing here. A neighbor was in the same jury pool and she, too, is sick.


Kleenex (Puffs with aloe being my fave). I've gone through nearly 3 large boxes in 5 days. I think they need a special Swine Puffs with MORE Aloe.

Soup - for me, nothing soothes a sore throat/cold/chest congestion quite like a steaming bowl of Campbell's Chicken Noodle. Have several on hand.

Liquid - for me that's been constant iced tea and during the 18 hours or so that the sore throat was torture: hot tea with honey.

Juice -- I had a strong craving for orange juice but didn't have any on hand so a friend ran to the store for me. Hit the spot.

Tylenol - for fever and aches.

Sore Throat Lozenges - I might have called 911 if I hadn't had good sore throat lozenges handy. That was killer.

Lip balm - breathing with your mouth open all night makes this stuff priceless.


The good news is this flu hasn't really been that horrible, for me. The sore throat was the most miserable aspect but thankfully was entirely gone within the first 24 hours. I could hardly bear to swallow for 12 hours. My throat was quite swollen.

The 4th night I was feeling much better and slept well. Tonight's the 6th night and I expect to sleep fine though I'm now experiencing a dry cough. But will have water and lemon drops nearby to alleviate that.

And stock up on pet food if you have pets. I haven't had the energy to go anywhere and thankfully haven't needed to.

I have been walking Gidget 4 times a day, two of those walks 8 to 10 blocks each. A nurse friend and doctor have advised that deep breathing can help with fever and so long as I didn't overdue it the walking would be healthy.

It sure helps with cabin fever.