Chapter 1: The Reality of Common Colds

In the UK, with its persistently damp climate, the phrase 'just a cold' feels particularly inadequate.

I have never witnessed so many individuals coughing and sneezing simultaneously. Entering a classroom, I'm greeted by a symphony of raspy, phlegmy coughs from the children. There's always that one child who thinks that opening the window will eliminate the germ cloud, yet the windows are securely latched.

I can only imagine how the 'cough particles' ricochet off the glass, never truly escaping to the outdoors. They likely bounce right back into the face of the kid who dared to open the window.

The media has warned us about the infamous 100-day cough. It feels like my family has been battling it since the holiday season. My children continue to showcase their cough—though they aren't actually sick. Every morning, they treat us to a 'wet cough over cereal,' perhaps still on day 54.

My husband mentioned a coworker who has been unable to shake off a persistent cough and cold. It sounds utterly draining.

But what message does society convey?

"It's merely a cough."

"It's just a cold."

The implication: Move on. You have responsibilities. You must continue with your regular tasks, even when feeling under the weather. Brutally honest: there’s little sympathy for you.

Certainly, taking time off for a cough or cold is a luxury many of us cannot afford. Just consider the chaos if everyone took sick days for these minor ailments—especially now, when it seems like colds are ubiquitous.

However, it is somewhat disheartening that our cultural norm implicitly suggests that having a cold reflects poorly on one's character. When we are plagued by coughs and colds, we often feel weak; our bodies are likely signaling the need for a brief respite.

The last thing anyone requires is a society that casts judgment. The symptoms can be exhausting, annoying, and often leave us feeling mentally foggy. A little compassion would go a long way.