It knocked me out for a couple of days! I'm talking about the seasonal flu. No, I didn't get a flu shot. Shame on me! But that's not the reason for this post.

I just want to clarify that the symptoms of the flu may not be what most people think about. I had congestion, body aches and chills, a headache and fever - with most of the symptoms lasting a week or so! Those are classic symptoms of the flu.

A bad cold could also last a week or so but symptoms for a cold usually begin with a sore throat, runny nose and congestion. A cough may or may not be a symptom of a cold.

Both conditions are highly contagious. The flu is contagious a day before symptoms develop and up to a week after! A cold is usually contagious the first three days of symptoms.

Unfortunately, there isn't a lot you can do once you come down with the flu or a cold. Plenty of bed rest and lots of fluids are recommended for both. I did take an Ibuprofen to help with the headache and fever and a decongestant to help with my stuffy nose. There are also anti-virals to help reduce the length of your symptoms but those have to be taken at the onset of symptoms. I wasn't quick enough.

By the way, if your symptoms include vomiting or diarrhea, that's not considered the flu. It's a condition called gastroenteritis. But go ahead and call it the stomach flu. I do! Whether it's the real flu or not doesn't matter. They're all miserable!

Oh well... 'tis the season!