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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

What would you choose - stomach bug or very nasty cold?

65 replies

QuietBatperson15 · 05/11/2019 07:03

In our house we are onto our 5th drawn out nasty cold complete with fevers, coughs, rubbish sleep since the end of summer. This morning I was thinking well at least it's not a stomach bug (famous last words). However most stomach bugs are done within 48 hours so at least it would be done and out the way. These nasty colds seems to drag on for at least 2 weeks.

Although I hate a stomach bug I'm almost thinking I'd chose it next time over another one of these virus's. Is this ridiculous?

OP posts:
poshredrose · 05/11/2019 07:07

I'd definitely choose a bad cold over a stomach bug.

nettlefield · 05/11/2019 07:08

Cold every time. Coming from someone who has woken up with a cold!

nettlefield · 05/11/2019 07:10

I've also had my fair share of stomach bugs this year (crap immune system) and although the actual vomiting usually only lasts about 12 hours for me the feeling sick and unwell seems to drag on for a week. And the tiredness and soreness from retching so much!

iVampire · 05/11/2019 07:13

Either of those could lead to neutropenic sepsis, which could be fatal. So I’d prefer neither

But if push comes to shove, it would have to be the heavy cold. Because being unable to keep down my cancer meds could also have quite serious consequences

(not being a drama queen in first paragraph - that’s what it’s like living with leukaemia)

22Giraffes · 05/11/2019 07:13

I'd choose a cold everytime! The vomiting with a bug may not last as long but it's the constant nausea and not being able to even lie down and sleep because your stomach is so painful.

Hope you feel better soon Flowers

CheeryB · 05/11/2019 07:15

I'd much rather a cold. You can stay in bed (if circs allow). Stomach bug you're in and out of the bathroom. No rest at all.

OliviaBenson · 05/11/2019 07:16

Stomach bug, for the weight loss outcome (I know that's very wrong!) I'll probably come down with a heavy cold now....

Iwillbemrsminty · 05/11/2019 07:18

Emetophobe here so absolutely no question, give me the heavy cold any day!

MyMessyHouse · 05/11/2019 07:21

Stomach bug definitely. I can be properly ill then and stay in bed, where as with a cold I still try to get on with things.
Also, weight loss and I feel I've had a bit of a detox (wrong I know).

BikeRunSki · 05/11/2019 07:21

Cold

I hate vomiting, and after 2 hyperemisis pregnancies, I’ve had my fair share of vomiting.

Damntheman · 05/11/2019 07:24

Bad colds can leave me bedridden for weeks :( But still.. I have to agree with PP, a stomach bug means you're not left in peace, always in and out of the bathroom. I'd much rather be left to wallow in my (gross) bed instead.

Defaultuser · 05/11/2019 07:26

@iVampire I hear you. Currently undergoing chemo and all these threads about winter child germs are terrifying me - have already had sepsis once after catching something from DS.

JenniR29 · 05/11/2019 07:26

Cold any day. You can take painkillers and decongestants to take the edge off and somewhat function.

Roselilly36 · 05/11/2019 07:32

I have got a cold at the moment courtesy of DS! But yes a cold over a winter vomiting bug definitely.

HorseGallopingOnATomato · 05/11/2019 07:33

Bad stomach bug va heavy cold? — choose the cold.

Mild stomach bug vs heavy cold? — choose the cold.

Vague off feeling in stomach vs heavy cold? — still choose the cold.

Just a huge fan of colds really ;)

Phoebesfleas · 05/11/2019 07:36

Cold every time without a doubt! Hate stomach bugs with a passion.

Afternooninthepark · 05/11/2019 07:36

Why would anyone chose a stomach bug over a cold? What’s fun about stomach cramps, vomiting and shitting through the eye of a needle multiple times then watching it go through the family! I have IBS and tummy bugs leave me feeling off for weeks, so definitely a cold for me.

Girlsmummy30 · 05/11/2019 07:37

I've had a stomach bug from Sunday. I wud gladly take a cold over this 🤢

SallyAnne89 · 05/11/2019 07:38

I'd prefer a cold. Which is just as well because I have woken up with one AGAIN

Squigglypig2 · 05/11/2019 07:41

I've got both at moment! Or more accurately IBS lingering on and a heavy cold. Took day off yesterday but no choice but to go in today. It's rubbish.

namechangenumber2 · 05/11/2019 07:42

Hate both, but as an asthmatic I'd probably favour the stomach bug as colds leave me with an awful chest for weeks - even a mild cold!

Loaf90 · 05/11/2019 07:49

Maybe your family needs to start a multivitamin 🙈

greenlynx · 05/11/2019 07:49

Cold. I have one at the moment and it’s awful but my choice is still cold.
I had a bug couple of years ago when I was very weak for 5 days. So bug’s effect could last longer than just 48 hours. And then dealing with possible washing and drying

LordProfFekkoThePenguinPhD · 05/11/2019 07:52

I’d choose cold. Stomach bugs are sore and toy can’t eat properly!

CountFosco · 05/11/2019 08:23

I have guts of steel and can't remember the last time I had a stomach bug and the kids don't get too poorly with them either. DS has asthma so when he was younger and it wasn't well controlled a cold resulted in a hospital stay with him on oxygen followed a few days later by a toddler on steroids climbing everything he could. So I choose a tummy bug that lasts 48h at most over a cold that lasts weeks and could result in a hospital stay.