Plague

– You look rough.
– Thank you. It's only a cold.
– Right. Even so, you have to keep an eye on these things. They can turn nasty.
– They can?
– Well, they can spread to the chest, can't they? And from there it's a short step, anatomically speaking, to your liver, and spleen; and brain.
– Do colds spread like that? I thought it was more like a few days of snuffly noses; that sort of thing.
– Well, it's down to viruses, you know: they can multiply and invade local tissues like – like viruses. Mutating as they go.
– Sounds a bit grisly.
– It's best to be prepared, I find. Have you seen a doctor?
– No...
– Probably not worth it. Not now.
– What do you suggest I do?
– Just take it easy, I guess. Try not to do too much. There's nothing so important that it won't wait a few weeks till you get better. Or if I can be of any help, let me know, and I'll try to take some time off work. February will probably be quiet for me if you're still going by then.
– Thank you.
– And I always find hot drinks to be a great help; and a high energy diet. Such as mince pies.
– That sounds good.
– Yes. I'd be happy to join you if you were thinking of getting some out.