Wellness

[RedTop]

I totally agree with AnnaBella about this being viral, and unless the virus has caused a secondary infection, I doubt a trip to the doctor is necessary. True influenza hits hard with a severe headache, extreme fatigue, intense body aches, chills, a high fever, and a dry cough. I could barely lift my head off the pillow, and my chest hurt to breathe. I spent 5 days in bed. I have also experienced viral infections, and medicated myself with Claritin, Mucinex, and Robitussin. I have sought medical help for viral infections with a fever of 102+, which has generally meant sinusitis with an ear infection, or strep.

[Pianomama]

Night, I just had "something". Started with a slight cough Monday night and full blown coughing by Wednesday. Coughed so much, like some others, my body hurt so badly. I know I had fever too although I didn't have a thermometer. I was able to see the NP Thursday. She said it could be either flu or cold, but she gave me a cough syrup with codeine to help me sleep. She also said if things persisted to call and she would give me an antibiotic, but if it was viral, they wouldn't help. Today I feel better although weak and I try real hard not to cough because it hurts so much. I am guessing it was/is not flu but a nasty upper respiratory infection. I also heard that "it" comes back, maybe more than once. Whatever it is, it is certainly going around and will put you on your back for several days. Hope everyone gets well!

[chrystaltree]

Answers for what? If you want to KNOW if you have the flu, go to doctor and and ask for a rapid flu test. Ladies who shop and watch QVC wouldn't know.

[kjw]

I had the sinus virus which lasted 2 weeks. Just when I thought I knocked it, I got the flu. I had a high fever and ached all over. It was just like what you have described. What was the worse was the cough. It was a bad cough that was worse at night. The flu lasted 2-3 weeks but didn't think I was ever going to get over the cough. My whole family had it and of course it was during the holidays.

[Lillyrose]

Flu is a respiratory ailment associated with fever and body aches, not so much gastrointestinal problems.

The only way to know for sure is to have a nasopharyngeal swab done (of your nose and throat).

Go to an urgent care or walk in clinic. They will perform this test.

Hope you feel better soon. And if it is not flu they can also check to see if you need an antibiotic for a secondary infection.

Glad you posted this.

[Sunshine]

Why don't you go to Urgent Care? They've always been helpful to me. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

[Lillyrose]

You also need to have a doctor listen to your lungs and check for other diseases, like whooping cough and or mono. You might need a chest xray.

Stay hydrated and rest when you can. But be sure to see a doctor, you've had these symptoms too long.

[stevieb]

Sounds too like you might've had a sinus infection that morphed into bronchitis.

[HonnyBrown]

Night, my Dad gets a bug at this time of the year that sounds like what you have. He doesn't have the flu, but it hits him bad.

A few years ago, I think he said it was bronchitis.

ETA: The ER is the last place you want to be!

[Nightowlz]

Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like maybe it could be bronchitis. I don't take antibiotics unless absolutely necessary. My doctor is the only one in his office. No NP. Most doctors in my area don't take new patients so that's not an option either. I may go to the minor care clinic but rather see my doctor. If I don't go to the clinic this weekend I will be calling my doctors office back to make an appt. Mon. I think I will talk to the nurse to see if they can work me in. I guess if you have a temperature with the flu I have probably not had the flu in well over 30 yrs.