I HAVE been feeling really sorry for myself this week as I've got the lurgie. I've heard there's scarlet fever, measles and flu about at the moment, but I'm suffering from non-specific symptoms, including coughing, runny nose, sinus headaches, general lethargy - and I'm sleeping lots. Man flu is a good description of what I have!

While lying on the sofa under a blanket, what pops up on the news but a report stating man flu is not a myth, and there is medical research proving it's real from experts at Cambridge University, who have proved that men tend to be more prone to getting infected or less able to clear infection.

However, I prefer the research by Kevin Maloy, an immunologist at the university of Oxford, who's not so sure man flu is real.

"There could be a completely different explanation, like that women just have a higher pain threshold," he declared.

I know which of those statements I'm going with. * I am hoping to shake off the bugs so I can get out and about this Easter, as there are so many great family events going on in and around the borough. 5 Of The Best on page 42 has some great ideas; now here are my top tips for things to do this Easter.

Easter Egg Hunt Kew Gardens gets on the list because it's free for children of all ages, and they have so many things to do for families all included in the adult entry price.

On April 4 they have a free Easter egg hunt, and friendly characters from Kew's botanical playzone, Climbers and Creepers, will be waiting in position around the gardens for children to pick up the tokens needed to collect their Green and Black's Easter chocolate treat.

This Easter the new Treehouse Towers adventure playground will be opening for the first time.

Located outside Climbers and Creepers, it seems to have been under construction forever, but at last it will be unveiled.

Children three to 11 years old can enjoy ladders, wobbly rope bridges, giant swings and slides, zipwires and scramble nets, all with a tree theme.

Visit www.kew.org  for details.

Easter Bunny Hunt Minet Country Park in Hayes always has a great range of family friendly events going on during the holidays, and on April 14 they have their 'egg-citing' Easter Bunny hunt between 2 and 4pm. Children aged five-11 years old can explore the park and take part in Easter activities.

You do need to book, so call Sarah on 020 8574 5935.

Easter Egg Trail Kenwood House is set in tranquil parkland and is great for walks with stunning views over London.

Movies such as Notting Hill and Mansfield Park had scenes shot at Kenwood. On April 2-5, from 11.30am-3pm, there is an Easter egg trail throughout the grounds.

Entrance to Kenwood House and the grounds is free and a trail sheet is just £1. Find the wooden eggs hidden in the grounds and be rewarded with a yummy chocolate prize! * Find out more at www.english-heritage.org.uk.