1. Denial

I couldn’t possibly be sick when I have 2 papers due and 3 midterms coming up! It’s not true, it’s fine, it’s just a little sniffle. You know what I bet it is? Allergies! It’s definitely allergies. In November.

2. Sinking suspicion

Okay, fine, maybe this isn’t allergies. Still not that bad though right? Maybe this will be one of those 24 hour bugs that will be over before it even starts, practically. Soon this will all be a distant memory!

3. Blame

It’s been three days and I’m about ready to go full detective mode and investigate who in the world had the audacity to spread their germs to me. Mystery person, you are now the root cause of all of my problems.

4. Attempting to fix yourself

Vitamin C has something to do with the immune system, right? I bet if I get the exact right proportions of chicken soup, DayQuil, and lemon juice in my system, I’ll be completely cured by tomorrow morning.

5. Calling your mom to complain

She might not be right next to you in your time of pestilence, but her sympathetic ear is only a phone call away. It might not physically make you feel any better, but knowing someone cares that you’re barely trudging through the day is quite comforting.

6. Doing your best not to pass it on to others

Avoiding touching anything and anyone can make you feel like you’re living in a bubble, but better that than risk being the blame recipient in someone else’s narrative.

7. Eventual recovery

Somehow you managed to make it through the week(s), perhaps a little more exhausted and a little less successful than usual, but look at you! You survived! Now it’s time to go back to all of your old habits and completely forget about colds. Until next time...