That's Fit

Have you been suffering from a runny nose, an itchy throat, sinus pressure and a feeling of lethargy? If so, do you know if you actually have a cold (a viral infection) or are just suffering from an allergic reaction to something in the immediate environment?

It's sometimes hard to tell, as many of the symptoms between the two are very similar. But, if in doubt, you can take this small quiz over at iVillage and find out exactly what your malady is most likely to be.

One quick sign usually does it for me -- the running of a fever. If I'm having an allergic reaction to something, there is generally no fever -- but there sure is if I have a cold!

I decided today that there is nothing worse than a summer flu. I'm still just as miserable with a winter flu but at least it's a little more expected. Because I've refused to believe I have the flu (who gets the flu in summer?, I thought), I haven't reduced my hectic schedule at all. By ignoring the flu monster, it now has completely steam-rolled me. My throat glands are swollen, my throat is on fire, I have chills and aches, a fever, and all I want to do is sleep. Whine.

Oh. I'm also hungry. Of course, I only crave processed food -- problematic since I'm currently trying not to eat anything processed. So, while I'd love nothing more than a big Nyquil cocktail and mac & cheese, I'm trying to motivate myself instead to get up and boil a chicken breast and sweet potato -- foods full of life-giving nutrients, I cheer! -- for dinner. It would be easier if we didn't have anything processed in the house but there is this one, lonely little packet of buttery noodles in our cupboard that's calling my name. I know that processed food is "dead food" but slippery, buttery, warm noodles on my throat? Nirvana!

So, what to do?