Category: Life with Pratts

Covid: Week 3

Two weeks ago tonight, my throat felt sore and I started to cough. The next day I tested myself for Covid and it was negative. As my conditioned worsened to include sneezing I tested myself again, and it was positive.

Depending on the brand of rapid antigen test, results are promised in 15 or 20 minutes. In my case, a positive result doesn’t even take 15-20 seconds.

Yesterday I felt as though I was getting closer to recovery, but today I feel worse. My symptoms are a reminder why there are doctors specializing in ear, nose, and throat ailments.

The coughing mostly stopped last week. My breathing was never affected, and I haven’t had a fever. But if I’m not testing negative again by next week I’ll contact my doctor.

Follow-up: I tested myself again — twice — and… it’s negative. So it seems possible that I have had a plain, old cold, in addition to Covid?

Getting Laid–Back in the 70’s

What’s spinning on the Pioneer PL-112D from 1976?

It’s 24 Laid-Back Rockin’ Easy Hits from 70’s Superstars!

I’m at that age where it doesn’t take much to awaken memories from long ago. Memories of the wonderful girls I knew that can be almost painful. One of the songs in the collection having that effect on me is “Second Avenue” by Tim Moore.

The record reached only #58 on the Billboard chart. Art Garfunkel’s cover of the song was released at the same time and was a #6 hit on Billboard. Garfunkel was the better singer, of course, but for emotional effect I give the nod to the songwriter.

Cold or Flu?

This blasted cold I contracted a week ago continues to incapacitate me. Or maybe it’s incarcerated me, as I’ve been confined to the house since the first symptoms appeared late Tuesday. Just in case it could be the flu, I’ll check this chart from the CDC.

Nah, not the flu. Definitely a cold, but it’s a bad one. The chart doesn’t mention an earache, but I have that, along with a sore throat. Am I actually suffering from immunity debt?

https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/23473231/immunity-debt-respiratory-cold-virus-rsv-flu-influenza

Not Dead Yet

Last night was very rough. I’m amazed I got any sleep, but this morning the worst of it seems to be over. The congestion, runny nose, and sneezing indicate it’s just a plain, old cold. As colds go, it sure didn’t stay mild. My ribcage hurts from the coughing, and this headache could use some aspirin, but I’m improving. From now on, I’ll be masked whenever I’m indoors in a public place. Does that mean no more eating in restaurants? Yes, so it’ll be take-out for me, at least until Spring.

Masked, Innoculated, Boosted, and Sick

I’m not feeling any better than I did yesterday. In fact, I feel worse. Despite my taking every reasonable precaution against catching whatever it is that I caught.

Eating out at the Cheesecake Factory seemed to have been my downfall. It’s a respiratory illness, not food-borne, so I am recommending their excellent Tuscan Chicken specialty dish.

https://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/recipes/tuscan-chicken

I’m going to bed super early and hope that recovery is coming my way soon.