Well dammit. It’s back! Or is it? A month ago I had a serious bout of what I assumed was rhinosinusitis as it mostly stayed in my head. And while I had symptoms I kept testing for Covid, just in case, since who knows what the symptoms are the new variants (not us, because we’re not being told). So I wasn’t too concerned when this started up again on Sunday as it was pretty much the same-old with runny nose, facial pain, dripping down my throat (ick), plus I have had sinus issues all my life. But then yesterday things took a turn.

A small “tickle” that had developed in my throat turned into full-on coughing my lungs out during the night, so bad that I could barely sleep. And yet I still tested negative for Covid this morning (I’ve been testing daily since Sunday). WTF? Using this venn as a guide, the only overlapping symptoms I have are cough and slight congestion, the rest is all sinusitis stuff. And sinusitis could be the result of either a bacterial infection or “just a cold”, both of which can spread to the lungs. Obviously a bacterial infection isn’t contagious, but “just a cold” is.

I mean, I don’t feel terrible or anything (other than my face still hurts, lots of pressure) and today the cough seems to have disappeared as quickly as it showed up.

MEANWHILE… a couple of weeks ago I booked tickets for one of the fabulous Catas Magistrales that are taking place during the Jerez Vendimia (grape harvest), this one being hosted on Friday evening by Bodegas Lustau in the splendid Alcázar gardens. I also booked train tickets and a hotel for overnight. And now I don’t know what to do.

So what to do? If I’m going to cancel then I have to do it first thing tomorrow morning so I don’t end up having to pay for the hotel (train and event tickets are non-refundable). Back in the day I would have thought nothing about travelling – or even going out somewhere – with “just a cold”. Those days are gone. But if I am no longer sneezing and coughing… oh I don’t know, maybe it’s just sinuses. Of course I’ll have my FFP2 mask on while travelling on public transport. And most of the things I’ll be doing in Jerez will take place outdoors. It’s quite a dilemma. What would you do? And yes, am looking at you Kate.

Well hey maybe. Remember last week when one side of my face went all drippy? Well that only lasted about 24 hours (thanks to Rhinomer) but suddenly it’s back with a vengeance and is now full frontal. Yesterday I tested negative (Covid rapid test) and have had the new Hepa filter going full blast, in the middle of the living room/office during the day, in my bedroom at night. This morning I also tested negative. But I continue very sneezy and drippy with painful blocked sinuses (eyeballs feel too tight in their sockets). Since so far it’s “all in my head”, so to speak, I’m assuming it’s my old nemesis rhinosinusitus. I mean, I have never had this properly diagnosed and so maybe it’s another thing to add to my massive list for the nutritionist/endocrinologist on Friday. I just hope she wants to listen to me and not just hand me a one-size-fits-all diet plan.

Meanwhile, I’m staying at home just in case and Peter and I are keeping to our rooms as much as possible. Had to cancel lunch with an old friend yesterday (haven’t seen him in a couple of years), and also Pablo coming over today to install a new plug socket in the kitchen. I still have a meeting with my landlord tomorrow (my new contract!) but we’ve agreed to meet somewhere outdoors just in case. And then Friday morning I’ll do another rapid test before going to the doctor. I have a tapas tour on Friday too but Peter can step in if I happen to test positive (hope not!).

Reading everywhere about Covid cases rising, wastewater samples almost everywhere showing high levels, and yet people are still cramming (maskless) onto cheap flight planes for a few days in the sun in drought and wildfire afflicted destinations. I made the choice to do a bare minimum of tours this month, peak summer, for that very reason, though I can ill afford it. I just don’t feel safe being out and about.