Whine Flu

I don't have an H1N1 virus infection. I do have sinus pressure behind my eyes, and an active imagination.

The buses have been more crowded this week, with college and high school students back to school and parents of younger children taking new routes to accommodate day care and school pick up. More kids, more people, more germs. Or increased access to them.

When I started riding the bus again last month, after a 10 year absence, I noticed the children immediately. Right after I noted the cool, delicious air conditioning that I didn't have to feel guilty about (I didn't tell Port Authority to turn it on). But after I was refreshed, I noticed the children. There are children on our street who play, and loudly yell, in our yard. I have young nieces, and run into children here and there in my everyday life. But until I was seated on a bus with a wailing child again, they were not at the forefront of my mind, or my health care plan. I see them wiping their noses and their eyes and touching absolutely everything, as is their natural right. And I try to remember not to do the same.

Last month, H1N1 infections were reported at two local colleges, one in the city serviced by these very buses.

I got off the bus this week in front of the Walgreen's near my workplace, and for the first time in my life, I thought about getting a flu shot. There are vinyl signs all over the place shouting about it. Then this week my president urged the nation to get one- or at least the new one? I'm listening. At least my imagination is.

When I got up a little later than usual yesterday, and felt my joints and head achier than the day before, I committed the public sin of getting on the bus anyway. I tried to walk, but my body gave in. Once on the bus, I rested my head against the window in gratitude, and I cannot guarantee that I did not leave the telltale greasy mark there. But the bus is not for sick kids or adults. The excitement of leaving work was dulled by returning home the same way. If only I could have clicked my heels instead! I would have had a difficult time driving home, too- but it would have been more direct, and less bumpy.

So yesterday was the first day that I regretted my car-free life. Still considering the flu shot.