Is There a Cause for Concern: Queen Elizabeth II's Illness with a ‘Heavy Cold’
The British Royal family has been keeping an eye on Queen Elizabeth II's health in recent days, particularly after she has been suffering from a ‘heavy cold’ for eleven days and has missed all public events. This has raised some questions and concerns, especially considering her advanced age.
Understanding the Context
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) can notoriously affect the very young and the very old. It typically lasts 10-14 days and can present as an upper respiratory infection, causing cold symptoms such as coughing, fatigue, and occasionally a fever. The Queen, at 90 years old, falls into this category.
Observations and Potential Explanations
On January 8th, she attended a church service, indicating that the worst of her cold may have subsided. The presence of Prince Philip at the church service also suggests that her condition isn't critical. However, some individuals have speculated that the Queen could have had a bit too much gin and was feeling quite unwell due to a hangover. This hypothesis takes a humorous and personal angle, but it is important to recognize that such a hangover is unlikely to cause a long-term, persistent illness in an elderly individual.
Healthcare and Condition Monitoring
The palace has expressed that Queen Elizabeth II is continuing to 'do the boxes,' which indicates that she is still working on reading and signing legislation. This suggests that her condition is not severe enough to impact her daily tasks and responsibilities significantly. Furthermore, she has access to the best healthcare available, ensuring that she receives appropriate care and monitoring.
Historical Context and Royal Family Practices
The British Royal family has a history of downplaying the health of senior members, including the monarch. For instance, King George VI, the Queen's father, was known to conceal his serious illness from the public until it became nearly impossible to hide. However, this does not necessarily mean that every monarch or royal family member follows the same pattern. Consider Princess Margaret, who was a heavy smoker and drinker, or the Queen mother, who lived to be 101 years old.
The Queen herself has quit smoking during and after WWII, and her moderate alcohol consumption doesn't pose significant risks. She is known for a healthy lifestyle, including regular horseback riding, which is a strong indicator of overall good health.
Forecasting Future Outcomes
While a heavy cold in an elderly individual can be concerning, it is not a definitive sign of serious illness. The Royal family's transparent approach in addressing Prince Philip's health in 2012 also suggests that they are not deliberately concealing any information.
It is plausible that this cold could be part of a series of minor illnesses that may indicate a decline in overall health. However, such predictions are difficult to make with certainty, and it is more likely that the Royal family is being cautious and taking appropriate measures to ensure her well-being.
In conclusion, while the Queen's prolonged illness is definitely a cause for concern, especially in an elderly individual, there is no evidence to suggest that her condition is at a critical stage.