It has been a bit silent on greenroots over the last week plus. The reason for this silence has been my contraction of swine flu, which was not too fun. So, in a departure from the regular fare here on greenroots, I thought I would share my experience with swine flu, hoping that it can help others who get the flu to get through their ordeal as quickly and as safely as possible.

Before I get into the tale, I want to note tat I have been a big advocate for using mobility technology to minimize the impact of H1n1. We have had guest post on the topic and championed the use of social distancing to minimize the spread of the flu. These policies remain incredibly topical, but I was quite knocked out by the fu and when it was the worst I can honestly say that there was not very much productive work thought going on in my head. Dragging myself out of bed to get a drink of water was hard enough.

But, as I recovered, I did use these Nortel tools to try and minimize my culpability in anyone else getting h1n1 from me. That is a nice luxury and one I am grateful to have with my job and employer.

My story

So, about a week ago I was SO tired going to bed, with my limbs hurting a bit and some serious lethargy. The day before, I had attended a nice Social Media and Sustainability conference (post forthcoming on that within the week, I promise) and earlier that week had been to a concert as well. So, I had been in places with lots of people, but did not think too much about sickness, because none of the more traditional flu symptoms were manifest.

Then, the next day I could barely get my head off the pillow. My whole body ached to a degree that was frankly quite worrying. I liken it to what I imagine it feels like to get hit by a baseball bat a few times (on a side note I watched The Wire while recuperating, great show). My back, kidneys and neck were all in acute pain. I also had some serious headaches. But, I did not have much nausea, although the complete lack of appetite and not eating for 36 hours might have something to do with that. That first day was a complete wash; I did not leave my bed, eat anything or even really wake up. Honestly, my world windowed down to just my bed, and I could not really think of anything beyond that.

Then, the next day I still had serious aches but my head seemed to clear up a bit. This process was slower than I am used to coming back from illness, taking 4-5 days before I felt even remotely ‘normal’. The slow process basically entailed the returning of my appetite, the lessening of the aches and a clearing of the head. Now, I feel pretty much back, aside from a little nagging cough. It is good to be back.

Taking stock

Well, I am so glad to have gotten through the flu, along with the millions around the world who have had similar experiences. My thoughts and prayers are with those that lost their life or were seriously incapacitated by the flu, I know that having it myself has led to a more complete appreciation of the danger this flu, and the more conventional flu, do pose.

Thinking on the policy side, social distancing is key for minimizing the spread of the disease. This experience has only reinforced my belief in that policy as key.

Also, people may have seen that President Barack Obama declared the swine flu outbreak a national emergency. I urge people to take this flu seriously and follow the guidelines for minimizing its spread, such as these from the WHO:

• avoid touching your mouth and nose;

• clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated);

• avoid close contact with people who might be ill;

• reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible;

• improve airflow in your living space by opening windows;

• practise good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.

Stay well.