A Brisbane man is recovering after an unexpected bout of the flu.
Peter works in an insurance accounts team, and was getting ready for a new work week, when he started feeling off on Sunday night, which began with an annoying sore throat.
“I didn’t think any of it as I normally get a bit of hayfever for a couple of days then go back to normal,” he said.
After working at home on Monday, Peter was floored on Tuesday night, unable to stop sneezing, coughing, and his throat getting worse. He called in sick on Tuesday and spent most of the day asleep. After waking up at 11am, he struggled to concentrate on one of his favourite movies before going back to bed in the afternoon. He had a shower and a light dinner and before going back to bed at 9pm.
Though, as he energy and spirits slowly returned on Wednesday and Thursday. Peter began to enjoy his time off.
“I finally started this new novel that I got for Easter, I watched a few YouTube videos, and caught up on some TV. My favourite video was about this lady who obsesses over the Ardal Makes Friends celebrity interview podcast. She listens to the same interview between three to fives times each week and was kicked off social media for abusing people who weren’t as enthusiastic about the podcast as she was. The guy who narrated the video tore her to shreds. It was hillarious!”
Feeling better by Thursday night (and taking the medications prescribed by his doctor), Peter returned to work on Friday, wanting to get on top of what he’d missed before the weekend.
“I was a little tired, but got through the day, and now I don’t have to wade through a million emails on Monday morning.”
Peter said his attitude to sick days has changed as he’s gotten older.
“When I was at school and uni, being home sick was like an extra holiday. I’d go to the local video store, hire out some movies, and watch them multiple times, including directors commentaries and special features. Or I’d have the time to smash through some video games. Boredom was never a problem as I could always have a nap if I got a bit tired.”
