Indeed. Ever since posting my ‘Pundit Blogger’ quiz results (supposedly implying that I can actually express myself intelligently and with influence), I’ve not had as much as one day that I’ve been able to muster even the smallest string of words that sounded intelligent, witty, or significant in any way. Indeed, pride DOES goeth before a fall.

On another note, in part, due to the shortage of flu vaccine this year, and in part due to the fact that having availed myself of the flu vaccine in the past, it has NEVER saved me from having at least one case of the flu during any given flu season. In fact, last year (AFTER receiving the vaccine mind you), I was hit by not one but TWO rounds of flu within only a 5 week period. At one point during both rounds, I was absolutely CERTAIN I would die. In fact, the only times I ever remember coasting through a flu season totally flu-free were those years when, for one reason or another, I’d NOT had a flu vaccine.

Apparently, there are alternative treatments for flu and for preventing the flu, other than vaccines, that for some reason aren’t touted as loudly, though they certainly seem worth checking out. There are 4 anti-flu medications available today -- (Symmetrel [amantadine], Flumadine [rimantadine], Tamiflu [oseltamivir] and Relenza [zanamirvir]. All 4 medications are touted to lesson the severity of symptoms and shorten its course. Though aware of these medications, what I only recently learned was that 3 of those 4 medications -- Symmetrel, Flumandine and Tamiflu -- can actually be taken to PREVENT the flu. So if there is an outbreak of flu in your community, one of these medications can help you steer clear of participating in the unpleasantries of a bout with the dreaded illness.

Does anyone out there in Mindsay land have any experience with any of these medications? Do they really WORK? How does their use differ when taken for prevention vs. treatment? Do they have side effects? Anyone who should NOT take them? Which of the 4 is most effective at prevention? Which is most effective at treatment?