Four Things I Didn't Know - And One Thing I Did

1.) How severe can a flu be?

When I received the results of the rapid test, and it said "Influenza A," that literally meant nothing to me: 

• I don't recall ever having the flu before. 
• I thought it was just another word for a cold or virus. 
• I didn't know that flu symptoms and severity can be comparable to COVID:

2.) How long can a fever last?

After leaving work early due to sudden onset of sickness, I had my husband take my temperature. I was surprised that it was 99 degrees, particularly since my everyday temperature runs lower than the norm. I am rarely cold, but I spent several days shivering uncontrollably. I didn't expect to experience fevers every day for four days in a row.

3.) How much can coughs hurt?

I am no stranger to upper respiratory infections, and I've struggled with prolonged laryngitis before. During this flu, I found myself coughing until tears streamed from my eyes, feeling the rhythm of pain in my upper chest and coughing up blood.  

4.) How long does the flu last?

Still waiting that one out. 

5.) But there was one thing I did know and do know:

My husband deeply loves me.  He, too, has the flu, but a lesser variant than mine. He's always had a stronger immune system. And he had a recent flu vaccine, which might be lessening his symptoms. He had recently insisted upon an impromptu romantic dinner with me (his workaholic wife), which is undoubtedly - and ironically - where we both caught the flu. 

During our sickness, he has been a champ among men. Grocery runs. Making soup. Cuddles and comfort. All the things. My favorite moments have been cuddling up on the couch watching Looney Tunes cartoons together, in between coughing bouts. Grateful to have him in my life.