Despite having a 'flu jab in the late autumn of 2019, I started 2020 with 'flu, coming down with it on 5 January, a day after I landed back in the UK from 2 weeks in the USA. It took me a good 3 weeks to get over it, but then I had a long-term effect of chronic post-nasal drip and some chest congestion, which went on for many, many months. (I grew up in a tiny house with two chain-smoking parents, and I'm prone to chest problems as a result.)

A cool-mist humidifier helped, but didn't eradicate it. The thing that finally kicked it into touch was a supplement called NAC - N-Acetyl Cysteine. I took it every day for a month and it pretty much cleared up my post-nasal drip and chest congestion. There are also scientific studies that it can help ward off Covid. I've stopped taking it now, as it did give me some stomach bloating and gas (it's sulphur-based), but I may start back on it once or twice a week.

But yeah, I'm a mask convert now, and I'm going to continue to cover up and sanitise even when we're told it's safe not to do so.

I'm glad you've been healthier; me, too. A week or so ago, I had sneezing, scratchy throat, general malaise, and prepared for a cold, while fearing the worst. It never developed into anything. I hope researchers do work on colds and flue and stuff to make something useful come out of this.

Knock on wood ** I have never had the flu. Plus, for the last 15 years, I have always gotten the flu vaccination.

I also rarely get colds. Who knows why....

I do have major allergies to everything from mold, dust, pet dander (yes) and pollen. I wear the mask all the time outside when working in the garden center, but not while at home, so I'm still exposed to all the stuff, so my allergies are no better. I almost think the nasal congestion is worse.

Land of contrasts, and such.

I got my first dose Saturday. I had minor side effects... I felt zoned out the rest of Saturday, kind of like I hadn't slept in a day and a half. Sunday it was just the soreness around the shot and a runny nose that may or may not have been related to the vaccine. (We've had a lot of varied weather which tends to kick up allergens.)

Today I managed to book my appointment for the first vaccine, on 10 March, with the second does on 26 May.

Yea you two!