By Kimiya Amjadi
Cough cold, fever, and chills
Here’s the season of growing medical bills
Restless nights, sneezes, and many pills
It’s that time of year for writing antiviral refills
Fatigue, malaise, and bodies in pain,
Our beloved “Influenza” is back again
Immunoassays, PCRs, and RIDTs
Overwhelming laboratories, but we know what it is
For influenza is back again, fierce as ever
Forever mean, and relentless in its endeavor
O’ how we encouraged to vaccinate,
Advocating prevention, and hoping to eradicate
Education that was not well received
From the very young to the elderly, no one believed
Declining it, “NO WAY”, they repeatedly said,
Now it’s payback time, with tissue boxes and sanitizers instead
ER visits, hospital admissions, tired physicians
Trying so hard to determine patients’ dispositions
Washing hands, wearing masks, and overworked
Stressed clinicians and staff, burning out, one by one
Remember this next year, before influenza returns again
Overwhelming everyone, creating headaches and so much pain
Show some love for yourself and others
Vaccinate for influenza, and help our healthcare providers
Dr. Kim Amjadi, M.D., has been a resident of Arizona for over 40 years and has been practicing medicine for over 25 years. Dr. Amjadi has been very active with numerous philanthropy projects both locally and globally ranging from feeding the homeless and helping fellow healthcare workers combat burnout and mental health issues during the pandemic, to aiding orphanages in neighboring countries. Her favorite activities and hobbies include hiking, painting, writing, poetry, swimming, tennis, yoga, meditation, and dancing.