To ask if this is what flu feels like?

[incogneto]

I've never had it but I would imagine this is what it feels like. I'm not sure if it warrants a trip to the GP. (Don't think I could even get myself there anyway)

Heads banging and my throat is so sore and feels as though it's about to close up. I feel very unsteady on my feet when I get up and it hurts to lift my head off the pillow.

I've also had the most terrible body aches since last night. It really feels like my bones are aching i feel like I've been run over by a bus or trampled on by elephants.

I don't want to waste GPs time if there's nothing they can give me but DM says I should visit

Only one cautionary note - are you sure you don't have mastitis? That can cause aches, so just check the symptoms please.

Did you get the flu vaccine while pregnant Probably a different strain of flu, if you aren't breastfeeding then take sudafed as it's amazing for clearing your head and aches. Also lots of vitamin C and walnuts. Phone the GP if you want advice rather than going in as you'll be contagious.

Set up everything you'll need for the baby and you in one area, then lie down. Ideally set up a nest for both of you on the floor, you can't fall off a floor. Wake up for baby cuddles and feed, quick nappy change and back to sleep for both of you.

It does sound like flu. The GP can do nothing for that so it is just rest as much as possible. If it does not improve in a day or so or you have trouble breathing then ring the NHS helpline if you can't drive to GP. Can your partner take the day off or a friend have your DS? Your mum sounds supportive Not . I can't imagine leaving my DD to cope with her toddler and baby if she had flu. If you can't get help make sure you minimise risk of passing it on by washing hands lots. How old is your DS?

Be aware that many infections start off flu like and develop. My son in law thought he had flu a few years back. It turned out to be a staph infection, pneumonia,endocarditis and sepsis. He was critical but that is rare. He could not get out of bed and was in excruciating pain all over though so if it gets worse phone the helpline.

It could be tonillitus, I get bacterial tonsilitus which always needs antibiotics , I get the horrible aches and shivering,I have never had flu but I did have a really bad cold before Xmas , and I slept for about two days before I felt remotely better .

Sounds like flu but don't assume, you might have tonsillitis or throat infection.Is there anyone at all who could help with your little boy?

Christ your mum I wouldn’t leave anyone to cope with a baby with flu, which is what it sounds like.

I had flu years ago and couldn't get out of bed. Basically spent 4 days lying in sweat. I remember needing the toilet and seriously considered just wetting the bed. 4hrs later I managed to drag myself 4m to the ensuite.

Well I had flu a few years ago with temperatures of over 40degs. I too could barely walk to the toilet next door to my bedroom and had to crawl to it in the first couple of days. I had short periods of time where I was delirious. I however did have periods where I could talk and make a phone call and type on a screen (though only for quite short periods).

People in intensive care who are dying sometimes have periods where they sit up/talk/type. My mother who was dying but got out of bed in the last few days and watched TV, played games with me etc. She died 4 days later, of course someone can post on here and have flu, what a bonkers view to have that you couldn't.

Op do you have anyone at all who can look after your DS? I could not have looked after my son when I had that particular bout of flu. I have looked after him with D&V bugs and other illnesses but as I was practically unconscious for some periods of time, I just couldn't have. Luckily DH was around. He didn't want DS exposed to my flu anyway and kept him out of my room, which I am very grateful for .

The worst of it was over in about 2-3 days for me, though it took me about 10 days before I could do more than stagger downstairs and sit on sofa to recover from the effort of getting up.

It also came on really suddenly for me, which is one of the indicators it is flu rather than a bad cold. I had no warning at all. I just stood up at work and felt dizzy all of a sudden and my very high fever came on within an hour. I had real trouble getting home in fact (only a short 10 min bus ride from outside work to practically outside my house) as I almost passed out

I did look after DS after 4 days as DH had to go to work which was hard enough but manageable I was really lucky it was a bank holiday weekend and DH only had to take one day off. I have absolutely no idea what I would have done otherwise, I tried calling a friend for the day DH needed to work but it was in the days of 'swine flu' and no one wanted to have DS as they were worried they might catch it somehow

I eventually went back to work about 3 weeks later.

Flu can be symptomless, like a mild cold, or make you feel like you're dying. All the nonsense about it only being flu if you can't get out of bed is just that - nonsense.

Don't worry about what the illness is called, just monitor your symptoms and see a GP if it's something you can't deal with at home with otc medicines.

First day back at work for me today after 2 weeks off for the flu. It's bloody horrible, and I could probably have done with another week as I still get dizzy and exhausted. Social media was great for me, because I couldn't concentrate on a book or TV, just short bursts of posting then lots of sleep. Don't overdo things and try and get someone to help with the baby. My sympathies.

How are you feeling now @incogneto?

If you can be bothered to type into Mumsnet its not flu.

I'm pretty sure the only people who think this are the ones who have never actually had flu....or did have flu but thought it must have just been a cold (despite the 39 degree temp and extreme body aches) because they were still able to surf the internet.

Update: my mum realised how poorly I was and was able to come and pick up my Ds. I managed to get some sleep but of course still feel very poorly.

I'm inclined to think it's tonsillitis or a strep infection as I can't swallow anything, not even just water.

Still got a terrible headache also

Oh you poor thing. Glad your mum was helpful.

I’d go to the Drs if you think it’s definitely throat related.

My Dsis had tonsillitis but just thought it was flu so didn’t go to the GP. She ended up with quinsy and it was horrible and rather disgusting. She had to spit into a bucket because she couldn’t swallow.

Hope you’re on the mend soon

I've rang my GP, waiting for a call back. I've explained that i have a newborn DS and obviously I don't want him catching anything

How old is your baby?

@Dreamingofkfc 3 weeks old tomorrow

Not sure whether I'dve been able to surf the internet when I had flu because the 2 occasions I had it were before the internet and smart phones existed! I just remember lying there feeling like death and doing nothing. The internet may have been a godsend. I don't remember having a headache or sore throat, maybe I did though. The thing that sticks with me is the aching body and chills and sweats.

Gp suspects tonsillitis so has given me antibiotics. Still can't manage to get myself out of bed though so mum has gone to pick up my tablets

Hopefully the antibiotics will kick in soon OP. In the meantime as your baby is only a few weeks old could you just lie in bed with him and just feed on demand until you’re feeling better?

Hope the antibiotics work quickly.

I'm really questioning his diagnosis. Since GPs call I feel I have gotten worse.

Skin is red hot to touch but I'm freezing under the duvet

When I had the flu (once), the main thing I remember was being completely floored in bed. Even sitting up was impossible. I would shiver uncontrollably but my body was sweating so much. The aches, the sore eyes, the dizziness. It lasted 2-3 weeks unfortunately. I was able to browse online for very short periods but I mainly slept (and sweated and shivered).

I'm sorry you are feeling like this when your DS is so little. It sounds like you have the support you need from your mum.

With your most recent symptoms, I would be inclined to call 111 for further advice. At only 3 weeks postpartum, i would worry it could be something to do with your recovery. (Although a sore throat wouldn't really support this, it's good to check)

It does seem like the flu, with the extreme heat vs feeling cold being a huge symptom. Rest up, drink lots and don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion.

@macncheese87 I had a c section and am now worried I could have an infection of some sort

If you were sitting in the living room looking outside at your front lawn and a £20 note blew in and stopped just at your front door what would you do:

1. Get up and go and get yourself a free £20 or,

2. Not move

1 = you've got the cold, 2 = you've got the flu

@DroningOn 2 with no consideration