Viral Inspiration

Exactly three weeks ago I started feeling awful. It’s been 21 days of a viral roller coaster — getting better, feeling worse, coughing, bruising ribs (from all the coughing), getting sick of cough drops, and running out of tissues.

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American


Exactly three weeks ago I started feeling awful. It's been 21 days of a viral roller coaster -- getting better, feeling worse, coughing, bruising ribs (from all the coughing), getting sick of cough drops, and running out of tissues. It can be pretty hard to get work done when you're in a congested fog and taking antihistamines, but I tried (tried!) to use my viral invader to inspire a few comics in between naps on the couch.

Back when I got my not-quite-as-effective-as-we'd-all-like flu shot, I did this comic here on Symbiartic. And here's what I've been up to since I came down with this tenacious virus.

And then, out of sheer frustration with viral DNA (and since, you know, our own DNA sometimes does impart us with not so great qualities), I did this.


On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


And since I actually got tired of fully answering, "How are you feeling today?" I decided to make a sickness status chart, much like the 1-10 pain scale you see in some exam rooms.

I hope if you've come down with this hardcore flu you're recovering faster than I am, but in the meantime, may my comics provide you with some slight joy in between coughing fits and fevers.

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Subscribe