Journal: Having a Cold in the age of Corona

One can’t just completely take it for granted that one will recover from being sick all the time. Sure, I am 99% sure it’s just a cold… but I have read about dozens of people who thought they just had a cold only to find out it was the CCP virus… and some of those people died. In terms of cultural shifts this is one of those things that will change. The Australian working culture of going into the office with a cold or flu is probably over now, and that’s probably a good thing. It was always selfish of people to do that and we shouldn’t have gotten into the habit of thinking that was healthy or socially acceptable behaviour.

The thing I hate most about being sick is that I am a grumpy sick person. My understanding is that the aches and pains gradually drain my mental stamina for tolerating minor annoyances like spilling a drink, clicking the wrong link, or a random loud noise until I find myself snapping at everything and enjoying nothing. I am self-aware enough to feel embarrassed for getting so irritated over such trifles that when I am sick I just want to be left alone and not communicate with anyone for fear of embarrassing myself with my poor temper.

I do have a number of books I am enjoying reading but my left ear and left tonsil are so sore right now that I can’t concentrate enough to enjoy reading. I do feel like writing but not enough to go over my notes for my current writing projects and advance them. That requires a lot of concentration I don’t feel up to doing just yet. So I find myself thinking about just writing a few silly short stories about fictional characters just to try to keep my mind off the searing pains in my body and the plague panic in my head.

Author: philosophicaltherapist

I am philosophical therapist based in Australia. However, I offer Skype services for people who live in regional districts, or internationally providing the time zones do not clash. In my practice I emphasise honesty, self-knowledge, curiosity, self-acceptance, self-responsibility, compassion, empathy, respect for emotions, and understanding how key relationships work. View all posts by philosophicaltherapist