Today I’m at home with Freya, who spent much of last night throwing up into a bucket, on sheets, on towels and on herself. The joys of Winter are upon us, and often inside us, with one or more of the family having spent much of the last couple of months fighting off numerous illnesses. This time of year is onerous enough, the short days and inclement weather causing fatigue and apathy, so to have the physical and mental burden of perpetual ill-health is irksome, as well as detrimental to our economy.

On the up-side, Freya’s current malady does at least allow me a day away from work, which is particularly tough at the moment. I usually feel pangs of guilt being at home, even when I am ill, so it’s a welcome break to experience a day absent from school without those feelings.