Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Odd theories about the Spanish flu

A couple of years back, I read an article in some science magazine on the Spanish flu. Which I thought was interesting, because of course, they were trying to resurrect the virus and there was a big argument on the ethics of bringing it back. Like the whole smallpox controversy.

Turned out it was some kind of bird flu.

But what I found really interesting was how it was transmitted. A separate researcher down in New Mexico did work into how cold and humidity affected the virus, and found that the virus transmitted well in temperatures under sixty degrees, with low to no humidity, because it lives in cold weather, and in high humidity, it attaches water and simply drops.

I always figured that was why everyone gets sick in the South. It's cold, but it's not really rainy or snowy. And since Seattle is always in a state of high humidity, it stands to reason the flu would be one of those things people simply don't get.

But the other day, for some strange reason--the rain went away, and it was a postcard kind of day--all bright and cheery. Still cold, but one of those "wow" kind of days. And I got really really sick with the flu.

Again.

This is the second time in the last two months.

I'm starting to dread those pretty days.

6 comments:

Jeanna said...

Who can write on a pretty day? Unless you're in the sun being serviced by a cabana boy.
You mean flu not fly, right?

Unhinged said...

LOL, Jeanna! Good one.

Gads, Jodi, I hope you feel better soon.

deanna said...

So sorry. It should be illegal for sickness to strike people in June...I'm phoning my congressman directly.

Kaige said...

Ugh. Hope you're feeling better soon!

Anonymous said...

Once you've caught all colds the locals have been harboring you won't get sick so much.

What I dread is my blogroll. Everytime I say I'm going to fix it I get sick. Are the birds watching over my shoulder?

Unknown said...

yes, Alice--I think it's the "birds" lol. Hitchcock is watching over you in spirit. (stop me!! I have puns on the mind)

Jeanna, I want a pretty cabana boy too.