‘Tis the season of group sings and holiday parties, of crowded cashiers in stores that are only crowded once a year. ‘Tis also the season of rhinovirus and adenovirus and respiratory syncytial virus. Put these together and you have a noxious stew.

As one on the receiving end of this special kind of holiday giving, I can say … 

I’m glad I was felled when I was. With any luck, I’ll be fully recovered in time to mail the cards, wrap the gifts, bake the cookies, and enjoy the cheer. 

Until then … aaaaachoooo!