From dictionary.com . . . .
ex·ac·er·bate
- verb (used with object), -bat·ed, -bat·ing.
- noun ex·ac·er·ba·tion
1. to increase the severity, bitterness, or violence of (disease, ill feeling, etc.); aggravate.
2. to embitter the feelings of (a person); irritate; exasperate.
- Synonyms intensify, inflame, worsen.
Yep I think that just about describes us when we get sick . . . <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">