Am I being unreasonably paranoid about catching the flu?

[Badbadbird]

Earlier today I was on the bus returning home from university, and I was really conscious of all the people sneezing and coughing around me. I actually moved seats at one point because the guy behind me was coughing so much, which I felt a bit rude doing.

I'm terrified of catching the flu going around, not so much for myself because I know I could handle it, but my partner has a severe health problem that could be made much worse by the flu. I'm so worried that i'll catch it at uni or on public transport and give it to him, or that he'll catch it himself at work or when we're out and about.

I know I'm being a bit silly. As he's high risk he's had the flu jab. I just worry that this strain of flu won't be caught by it or that he'll be unlucky and somehow get it anyway. If it were up to me I'd quarantine us both in the house until flu season is over! (only slightly joking.) I can't drive so the bus is the only way for me to get to uni each day. Plus I know from speaking to my tutors and fellow students that it's going around there too. Is anyone in a similar situation or can offer advice on how to prevent myself or my partner catching it, beyond the usual sensible precautions like hand washing etc?

People sneezing and coughing and sputtering won't have the flu they'll have a winter sniffle. The strains of flu going round at the moment are absolutely flooring people from day 1. Unless someone you are regulalry around contracts it you should be reasonably safe.

You are being a bit paranoid - most people don't get the flu often, if at all.

Have you had the jab yourself? It's only £13 at Boots.

I'm in Australia. I had current flu jab and ended up very sick with new strain anyway. In saying that anyone can get sick. Some do, some don't. No need to let it consume your thoughts.

Have you had the flu jab?

Go and have the injection. Tesco/Sainsbury’s/boots or any chain chemist will do it there and then from about £9.

I had flu for 3 weeks in November. Fine at 3pm. In bed with hallucinations and delirium by 9pm. It was beyond horrible. For 2 of the three weeks I was in bed and for the first week I couldn’t get downstairs let alone contemplate getting on a bus, although the GP did say the cough goes on for ages and is theoretically contagious.

If you’re trying to ward off winter general bugs then hand hygiene and vicks first defence?

I had th flu jab but am aware I might stil get it. I'm being really careful to wash my hands whenever I come in from being out anywhere. I'm not particularly worried about it but don't particularly want to get it as it sounds horrible.

I used to live in Asia and t was fairly common to see people wearing face masks - like medical staff wear - in public. Not sure if it would help!

This is an opinion piece in the Guardian so do ignore if those words fill you with dread

www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/09/australian-flu-season-panic-pandemic-h3n2-australian

I found it really reassuring, having been quite worried about doing anything with my 4mo in case someone sneezed on her or she put something in her mouth etc.

Basically, just the naming of this flu primes us to think of other scary flus, i.e Spanish flu. Makes for better news copy as well. So yes, flu is dreadful, but the scale of dreadfulness of Australian flu is more like a boring garden variety flu, even if a bit more noteworthy than some years.

Helped me! Thanks also Bumpowder, I will remind myself of that!

I had the exact same thing happen to me when I did my first degree. I was on the bus and there was coughing and sneezing, I was on my way back from uni and had collected toddler DS from nursery. Swine flu was rife and they made no attempt to cover their mouths.

I hate public transport.

I haven't had the jab, I might go and do so now though (it didn't even cross my mind that you could just go and get it.) Everyone keeps saying how awful this one is and I'm so worried for DP. :(

Yep you’re totally NBU. You should stay in the house, block up any openings, keep doors and windows shut and not leave until around April time.

Honestly, with the frenzy the media has stirred up, you’d think it was a bloody 28 Days style apocalypse.

OP, get the flu jab
Wash your hands frequently and properly (dry them too)
Take a multivitamin
Do some research (not blogs or tabloids please!) into this years flu problem, how a flu vaccine works and the differences between flu and other viral infections like the common cold.
Stop worrying.
Carry on with life as normal.