I just read through this thread now, and I'm taking your advice. I'm keeping my germs at home. I don't think I have the flu (no aching or fever), but a nasty chest cold is not nice to spread around either. And I have a job where I can work from home if necessary, at least on days when I'm not lecturing (like today). Although academia is definitely another place where you seem to get kudos for turning up despite any illness. And with a lot of hacking and sniffling students there's a lot of illness going around!

I'm doing what I can to recover quickly so I'm back on form for Monday morning's lecture (hot soup, hot tea with honey, rest, any other suggestions?). I did get offered the flu jabs when I went in for my another appointment with the nurse last week, but because of the sore throat the wouldn't give it right away. I am already on their at-risk list (asthma, immunosuppressants) and will get the jab as soon as I'm well enough to do so. So I'm booked in for both jabs next week. another reason to shake this cold first. Better make another cup of tea...