Influenza is a reminder of one's mortality.  When its ugliness washes over us (comes flowing out of us?), it is possible for any of us to understand how it feels to be old and dieing.  The flu is an educational journey of life in reverse.  The first day we are on our death beds, possessing neither desire nor fear.  The soul becomes so mute, overshadowed with pain and illness, that it does not speak.  Perhaps on the second day, the voices of negativity...fear, worry, self-doubt...begin to creep in as we start thinking about our responsibilities.  But the positive desire is still lacking.  And how refreshing it is to feel youth creeping back into to the body and soul, cleansed, as finally positive thoughts, desires, and vitality returns.