My Mask

I woke up this morning with a dry, scratchy throat, and some nasal congestion as well as a bit of a cough.  I did not feel particularly bad, but I knew I needed to do something. Before I left the house, I drank a couple of glasses of orange juice, and took some vitamin C.  I did not have any cold medicine in the house, so on my way to work, I purchased some, as well as some chicken soup and more orange juice for later in the day.  

I go to work late on Monday morning for scheduling reasons, and the sun was bright, so I put on my subscription sunglasses.  For administrative reasons, I was not going to have to stay late as I normally do on Monday, and because I did not feel well, I decided to truncate my schedule, and leave after the early afternoon staff meeting. I have the sick leave.

I work in a psychiatric prison hospital.  When I got to work, I went to a treatment pod and asked for a mask, since I was feeling poorly.  I did not realize that I did not carry my eyeglass case into the building, and did not feel like going back outside to get my clear lens glasses.  (Going out side involved going through 6 locked doors that are controlled by someone else. And then, there is the walk to the car.) So, I walked around with dark glasses and a surgical mask on.  I know I looked like an alien, but my co-workers were cool about it.  

Our staff meeting included a couple of administrators who do not know me well, but they did not react too badly. In fact, one was exhibiting upper respiratory symptoms, also. 

And, earlier in the day, one of the charge nurses told me not to worry, the crud was going around.  

I left work after the staff meeting, and went home to hot chicken soup, lots of liquids, more medications and vitamin C.  

I cannot say I am feeling great, but I am holding my own.