For 30 years (or so), I have dutifully obtained a flu vaccine every October. The locations have varied from a meat department (that one was weird), to a doctor’s office to pharmacies, but my intent was the same — to prevent the “flu.” As I am now fortunately able to look back on the past three weeks, I realize that my definition of “flu” was lost and minimized over the years. The flu had become, incorrectly, in my mind, that obnoxious 24-hour to five-day marathon of vomiting, fever, recovery and then feeling well again. And, kudos to the flu shot, so I thought, or personal luck, I never got it.

And then there’s the real take-you-down-and-out flu. Known by its true name of influenza, the Centers for Disease Control reports there are four different types of influenza viruses: A, B, C and D. The human influenza A and B viruses are responsible for the annual diseases that take down Americans every winter. It is these two heavyweights, both of which are constantly mutating, for which the “flu vaccine” is constantly being re-developed.

Anyone who is a bit of a history buff knows a little about influenza. In 1918, the flu pandemic affected 500 million people (one-third of the world’s population) and killed 50 million. It was the deadliest pandemic in modern history and, at the time, there were no vaccines or drugs to prevent or treat the flu. According to the History Channel, pneumonia was the killer as the influenza virus invaded lungs.

My personal journey began on Dec. 28 when my life went from 60 to zero in a matter of hours. It doesn’t matter now how I was infected because influenza is everywhere and is highly contagious — handrails, grocery store, anything blown into the atmosphere from a cough or sneeze — it is inhaled through the nose or mouth, absorbed by the eyes and transmitted by touch. I simply didn’t know what hit me when I suddenly became weaker than I have ever experienced, was consumed by chills, headache, muscle pain and, best of all, delirium. This show continued with additional highs and lows until our clinic recommended an ER visit on Dec. 30. A few tests later and I learned I had Influenza A and B, was dehydrated and later learned that a chest X-ray showed pneumonia as well.

Should I have been sent home that day from the ER? Would I have stayed at that hospital? These questions have faded in importance over the past days. I was given Tamiflu which, in my case, was too late as it is most effective within 48 hours of infection. My instructions were to hydrate and see my local doctor on Jan. 5. For the next five to six days I was in bed, slowly starting to circle the drain. The mantra in my head: “I have never been this sick ever.”

On Jan. 5, I woke, packed a bag, called the clinic and headed up there. Racing heart, crashing blood pressure, oxygen level of a plant and I was in the aid car on my way to Swedish. I was taken to a room immediately. Had I not come in by aid car, I most likely would have been one of the 30 or more patients lining the hallways of the ER — there was simply no room at the inn. The Green Team stabilized me, ran assessments, set IVs and performed probably many minor miracles I am not even aware of.

On to the ICU and a cloud of specialists took over — infectious disease, CDC, pulmonary, respiratory therapists — the list is endless. Four days in the ICU and I was well enough to move. The reality of walking, knees shaking, after 14 days in one bed or another, was daunting. The weight loss of 10 plus pounds was startling and not what I would call an appropriate weight loss program.

I was released from Swedish on Jan. 11. I see improvement each day, but a longer road than anticipated with oxygen for another week until my lungs are completely clear.

So what does this all mean? At 69, I am in one of the target age groups for the seriousness of this illness, but with no pre-existing medical conditions relating to it and pretty fit. It can affect you at any age, with any degree of severity and you can pass it on to someone more vulnerable. Get a flu shot every year.

This year, if you have any suspicion you have an escalating illness situation, get to a doctor, get tested for influenza and get on Tamiflu if positive. If you’re sick, stay home. And those masks and gloves, while not flattering, if used properly protect you and others.

— Christine Beck is a potter and former legal investigator and is also active in the arts on the island and Vashon Community Care.