Sick in the Head?

I am unwell at the moment. I have some kind of virus.  Or bug.  Or infection.  It started weeks ago as a cough and has now graduated into a full blown illness.  I woke up yesterday with a thumping head, sore throat and aches in parts of my body I didn't know existed.


My little boy, who is four, also has a cough.  But he has had his cough on and off since October.  The doctor thinks he has mild asthma and has now caught the virus too.  He is on two inhalers and a tablet but the cough is still bad.  He has been referred to an asthma specialist so we'll see how that goes.


I have been feeling sorry for myself mainly because of the unbearable tiredness. But although I am actually sick, I sometimes feel I am 'sick in the head'.  At the end of the day, when I look at the news, I see what real troubles are.  I am not in Syria or any of the countries where ordinary people are suffering right now.  What they would give to only have a virus to worry about! What they would give to not have to see their family and friends die in front of their eyes. What I am, is one very lucky forty something first time mum with loads of support and privileges!


I have been very moved watching the news lately and very thankful to be in the position that I am in. It made me sad to read about the Journalist Marie Colvin who was killed in Syria this week.http://wafaamrblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/marie-colvin.html. It seems she spent years in various countries highlighting human rights issues and the plight of the ordinary citizen. What a brave woman, writing about things that are both life-threatening and life-saving in this world.  And ultimately paying the price by losing her own life.


I know that everything is relative to who and where you are in life but, as they say, it could happen to anyone.  None of us are immune to what life can give us.I often think that I am actually very sheltered and live a very blessed life.  I just hope that I am appreciating it enough.


I don't  have to worry about anything except my immediate and extended family and friends, from the time I get up until the time I sleep. My mother was recently ill but has recovered, and we are all fairly healthy apart from the odd virus! So many people around me are splitting up, losing their jobs and homes, suffering cutbacks and illnesses and I wonder, why, so , far I am escaping it.  I hope I am not jinxing myself in saying all this, as life has a way of throwing things at you when you least expect it.


Anyway, I just wanted to say that although I am feeling kind of sorry for myself at the moment, I know  I am very blessed. I am going to stop worrying about getting older and getting fatter and various other things.  So many people don't get that chance at all.  For those of us who are lucky enough to have a family, a roof over our heads, food on the table and enough money to live, we should be so thankful.


But still, if anyone has any remedies or ideas for helping a mucusy cough, sore throat and a general feeling of lethargy, don't be shy to let me know what they are.  I am definitely sick in body even if I'm not sure about the head! So far, lettuce, manuka honey, gargling with salt have been suggested on facebook.  Click here to see the suggestions so far https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=3254494919754&id=1188492697  and feel free to leave your own suggestions in the comments below.