I've felt wiped out for nearly a week

[Undercoverstory]

I work Tues-Thurs and haven't been since last Tues (so only 2 day's absence, but also nearly a week) because I just feel completely and utterly exhausted. Not ill exactly, although have a minor sniffle, but so tiredand achy. I have been out for a haircut this morning, but sat down to have some lunch and can't keep my eyes open.

I don't think I can go to work tomorrow, but not sure if that's because I'm not well enough or because I can't face it. (Since a bereavement, I find if I'm even a little off colour, ordinary things become really hard to face)

If I take more time off, I'll need a certificate, but making a doctor's appointment for this seems ridiculous.

The fact that I'm finding this such a difficult issue is also indicative of my state of health/mind. What do I do?

Is it possible you have COVID? I was wiped out for about 3 weeks when I had that, but hardly had a cough. I probably spend most of the first week with it in bed. Don't think DH understood how wiped out I could be until he came down with it!

Grief is exhausting. I needed a month off work when mum died and it took me far longer to even begin to rebuild my energy levels. Take the time off you need. You may be able to get a fit note without seeing the GP. Give them a call.

I'd second testing for COVID. There seems to be an awful lot going around in many places.

It's been three years! But it definitely has changed me, from someone who rolled her sleeves up and got on with "it" to someone who struggles for motivation and energy.

@Undercoverstory have you thought about bereavement counselling?

I'm sorry for your loss. I'm feeling similarly, but without the grief element. I feel like I have the flu, but not as much as a sniffle. I have the headache, achey shoulders and neck and generally exhausted. Feeling off for a week at this stage.

I've had very similar, I wonder if it's a virus. Wiped out for over a week, covid level tiredness. Did a test, was negative, but wondered would it even work with no sniffle/ snot.

This is literally how COVID is for me. It’s how I know it’s not just a cold. I could sleep for days. I suspect it’s just that you’re ill.

It's a year and a half fit me, and I agree about how it changes you. I'm nowhere near where I used to be. I struggle daily energy wise.

I'm also potentially looking at long COVID. Chest infection 8 weeks or so that landed me in a&e, where it seems I caught COVID. Had throat issues, fatigue and regular low grade fever, plus brain fog.

It gets very boring!