My end-of-year year holiday typically includes visits with family and friends as well as venturing out for planned Christmas activities. However, this year, my Flu-Rona holiday quandaries derailed plans of any kind.
It’s a New Year and yet another novel term to describe updated COVID-19 and flu symptoms. The word, Flu-Rona.
According to online sources, Flu-Rona, this respiratory infection involves cases of both the flu and coronavirus.
The winter months bring on the cold and flu (Influenza) season. The confusion comes in when respiratory symptoms collide with COVID-19 manifestations.
My Flu-Rona quandaries started after attending an event in NYC before Christmas. A few days before Christmas, I received notification that someone at the event tested positive for COVID-19.
There are five ways to get a PCR COVID-19 test:
♦ Order a home collection kit
◊ Pick up at a store near you
♣ Visit a drive-thru
◊ Contact your local doctor or hospital
♦ Visiting select Lab/Specimen collection site
I mentioned the five ways to get a PCR test but neglected to say all options are not always the most available or convenient.
Perhaps because I live in Small Town, USA, all available COVID-19 testing options were not readily available to me. I couldn’t order kits online; it took days to schedule a drive-thru, and I wasn’t aware of any testing sites where I didn’t need an appointment.
I scheduled my drugstore drive-thru COVID-19 test on Tuesday, December 22, and received negative results on Christmas.
Christmas celebration, a small gathering with just my immediate family. But a few days later, I thought I had COVID-19 and was unsure of my exposure to it.
The Monday after Christmas, I experienced headaches, nausea, body aches, and vomiting, more flu-like symptoms. I had no respiratory symptoms such as fever, coughing, or difficulty breathing. However, when I phoned my doctor’s office on Tuesday morning, they insisted I come to the office but stay in my car for a PCR test. The PCR test is the nose swab test.
Once again, my COVID-19 test results, a negative diagnosis from Quest Diagnostics, where I usually receive my blood work results online, hallelujah!
After three days on the couch, I’m thankful I could rule out COVID-19, as well as the newest variant, Omicron, and Flu-Rona.
As always, protect yourself and your community with double vaccinations and boosters.
