Coughing fit after seeing poultry blood at the supermarket

It has been an interesting learning experience when it comes to having bronchitis and how my coughing gets worse when I am mildly stressed out.

On Saturday, I felt well enough to go out and get some groceries. I haven't had much to eat for breakfast, other than cereal and English muffins. Then again, my appetite has been shot until now.

The person in front of me at the supermarket checkout had packages of chicken drumsticks. One of the packages had the plastic wrap torn wide open. I was watching the man try and put it back together. He then had chicken blood and juices on his hand, which he decided to wipe on his jeans.

I used to work in food services. It's not the proper way to handle food. I sensed a ton of food contamination happening, among other things. Considering that I am recovering from being sick, I am sensitive to spreading germs.

I spotted chicken blood that his package had started by the product scanner. Sure enough, the cashier scanned my mixed bean salad across the blood and the scanner. I had to point out that she needed to wipe the blood off her scanning area as well as my bean salad container.

She was good with my request. I was so grossed out, but thanked her. I paid for my goodies, put them in my bag, and headed over to my car.

By the time I had loaded everything in my car, including me, my coughing fit had started. A minute later, I was okay.

I am typically not that squeamish when it comes to seeing poultry blood. However, I am not my normal self, so it was an observation that I found intriguing when I am sick.

Bronchitis

On Tuesday, I went to see my doctor. It was my regular quarterly appointment. I was also coughing, so I had to get this issue taken care of, too.

I spent nearly two hours at the doctor's office. While waiting there, I called my car insurance to make a claim on my windshield damage caused by a stone. Fun! There is far more to this story, so I will save it for another post.

Anyway, when I finally saw my doctor, she determined that I have bronchitis. I am now on an antibiotic and am using an inhaler to clear up my airways. I sometimes find that I can't breathe as well as I should. So, it's my first experience using a puffer.

Ah, the joys of coming home from a vacation sick.

I slept for most of the day when I got home. There were a number of annoying phone calls that I had to take from my windshield guy, the insurance woman, and more.

I technically go back to work on Wednesday, but will be working from home. I will likely be taking a sick day, depending on how I feel. Perhaps I will extend my sick absence, so I can rest properly.