Beware, don’t get bitten. I have lived with Barmah Forest virus for five years now. The name doesn’t do it justice. It should be called ‘rip the life out of you’ virus.
While it affects people differently, my symptoms have been extreme lingering fatigue, flu-like symptoms (but without the runny nose) and a horrible foggy head. Yes, and depression comes with it. It’s very difficult not to become down and out when trying to deal with those things living in your body.
My advice to people who have just been diagnosed with Barmah Forest virus (BF) is to forget about alcohol and caffeine. BF likes those ingredients and it can lead into another bout. Eat good food; vitamin B shots may help too. Light to moderate activities can help to clear head. Rest and good sleep is very important.
Those few things can make a huge difference in trying to get on top of BF.
R Johnson, Hastings Point
