Influenza & Life

In my present state, I find myself somewhat unfortunately able to comment at first hand on both the topics in my title.

The influenza viri are subtle. They creep up on you by infiltration through the respiratory system. At a certain point, they overcome your defences and inflammation begins. This phase takes a lot out of you, as material resources you have established melt away under the onslaught and your reserves are committed to dealing with the invasion.

Bodies of enemy and ally alike fill the landscape with the hulks of bombed-out targets and the corpses of the slain. Eventually, at great cost, you will mobilise more resources than the invaders can bring to bear, even after they have taken over some of your stockpiles and factories. At this point, you win, sit back and prepare for the next event.

Or you cease to function physically, forever and ever, amen. Which is why influenza is like life. And also like IB exams.