So I caught a cold. I do find myself thinking – we can send people into outer space, but we can’t cure the common cold.

Imagine if the first cold hadn’t been caught until modern times, rather it appears magically and it’s symptoms unknown, and you’re the first, the one who has to contact your boss at work to explain why you don’t feel like working….

I can’t come in today.

Why?

My nose is blocked.

Blocked?

Seized up, mainly on one side. I can’t stop sniffing, wiping it.

Uh. Why can’t you come in today?

My nose isn’t working properly. And I’m sneezing. It’s like a hurricane force wind coming out of my mouth.

Sounds… unfortunate…. but why can’t you come in today?

My throat is dry, it’s making me cough and I keep needing to drink.

I’m sure we can give you plenty to drink.

My eyes are prickly.

Don’t rub them then. And?

I ache, a little, in my legs and back.

Not been out running again, have you?

I’ve got the shivers, too.

Shivers?

I’m hot, but I’m shivering.

So you’re cold?

Not really.

But you’re shivering, so you’ve got cold some how.

I suppose I am cold….

Wear a coat and come in then.

What if I’m terribly contagious?

From a blocked nose? Can’t see it being a problem. The sniffles and a bit of a cough.

Sure? Cos, I’m happy to lie here-

We need you here. What harm can this cold thing do?