In MO there’s something extremely wicked going around currently: SEVERE upper respiratory congestion, vomiting/ diarrhea, very low grade fever, lethargy, extreme shortness of breath, exhaustion, comes on with a few sneezes and a dry non productive cough, initially sneezing and dry cough last a week. Then the rest hits, with vengeance. Makes you feel like death would be a welcome change.. This wasn’t covid. Started around the beginning of the new school year (southern KC metro area) 14-21 day incubation period I believe. This is no “cold”, folks.

IF you come down with this; lean FORWARD while propping yourself up with a giant pillow (I used a giant stuffed monkey); this will allow your body to take short shallow breaths and after 5 days, helps with productive coughing. We utilized self & HH quarantining, Benadryl, back & body aspirin, hydration (super important), that giant stuffed monkey and sleep (IF you’re able to breathe well enough to sleep). Don’t over exert yourself! Walking becomes an absolute chore due to the shortness of breath.. Even our two cats came down with sneezing fits. Dog not affected.

I am just passing along my experience and information. We aren’t around livestock whatsoever. Two of the wage earners in my HH are hi rise widow cleaners (constant exposure to bird feces of most all types). We’re typically healthy. I personally have never been so sick in my 42 years. Please do not rip me to shreds! This is my attempt at being helpful.