Flu Season - (And Other Illnesses)

Now that we're officially into "flu" season, I found some interesting excerpts from Ruby's journal in 1964:

January 20: Henry is having headaches quite a bit as well as other pains. He can hardly sit through two (church) services and sometimes doesn't feel like going at all, especially at night. (This was before Sunday night football!)

January 21: A lady from the church and I went visiting this afternoon. We found Sister McGinnis at home with the "flu".

January 23: Henry and I went to Dr. Paschall's office for check-ups this morning. After checking my blood pressure, heart and lungs, the doctor said I was doing all right. He said the headaches Henry has been having are vascular headaches caused from hardening of the arteries. He gave him a new medicine to try for a week and wants him to come back for a check-up then. This evening I developed a "flu". Think I took it from Sr. McGinnis when we were there Tuesday.

January 24: A norther and a little dampness blew in today and my "flu" seemed to take a turn for the worse. I had a slight chill and more aches and pains.

January 25: I stayed in bed practically all day today.

January 26: Brenda has the "flu". I missed Sunday School and church today for the first time in a long time.

January 27: My "flu" seems to be about gone except for a lingering sore throat on the right side and neuralgia pains in my right ear.

January 29: Brenda is still sick and having to miss school. Martha has had a touch of "flu" so she stayed home with the children.

January 30: Billy Joe stuck a thorn in the back of his hand while hunting Monday (January 27) and his hand is swollen and pains him quite a bit. Henry wants him to put some of the liniment on it that he got through Mr. Denman. It took the soreness and swelling out.

In 1964 I don't think we had any flu vaccine yet, so I guess it's a wonder they all got through it so well and quickly! And I hope none of us gets it this year!!!

Congratulations to all of you who are gathering more and more children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews! I hope you're seeing all the pictures of our wonderful great-grandson (Hunter) that Libby keeps posting on FaceBook. :-)

So long for now. Back again soon (hopefully).
John