Two weeks ago I got the flu vaccine for the first time. I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to needles so I opted for the mist. The mist -- little puffs of vaccine spray inserted into each nostril -- unlike the shot, contains live, attenuated virus. According to materials provided by the pharmacist administering the vaccine, the viruses in the vaccine have been weakened so that they do not give you the flu.
But apparently they are still be strong enough to make you feel cruddy. The day after that ounce of prevention I felt a little bad. The following day I felt awful. Congestion, body aches, sniffles, sore throat, headache. Except for a fever, I had all of the symptoms I associate with the flu. This went on for four days.
Considering how long the real flu lasts, and that the virus kills thousands of people each year, I figure four days of feeling cruddy was worth knowing I reduced my risk of contracting influenza.
Soup is my go-to food when I'm feeling under the weather, and this one comes together quickly.
Easy-Peasy Black Bean Soup
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, lightly drained
1 (5.5-ounce) can spicy vegetable juice blend
1 cube Knorr chipotle seasoning
1 cup water or unsalted vegetable broth, plus more as needed
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
In a small saucepan, combine the beans, vegetable juice, chipotle seasoning, 1 cup water or broth, cumin and paprika and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and, using an immersion blender, puree soup to desired consistency, adding more broth as necessary. Return soup to heat and cook just until hot.
Makes 2 servings.
Food on 11/12/2014