To not go to the dr/hospital for this?

[imbluedaboo]

Posting here for traffic mostly but I felt so sure in my stance and family have the complete opposite opinion.

Last night I developed what I believe to be flu symptoms - sore throat, headache, fever (38.4), awful pain in lower back and joints and a dull ache on the rest of my body, skin feels stretched tight and prickly/burning sort of sensation, fatigue, nausea. I couldn't sleep due to discomfort but also can't move much, standing makes the room spin but I've needed to pee a ridiculous amount which has been a pain.

As mentioned, this sounds like flu to me, when I take painkillers it's better, still painful but I can just about manage. So I've taken a sick day, arranged wrap around care and have taken to my bed which is something I've never done but feel hopeful it'll pass in a few days surely. Family however disagree, my mum has pointed out that I never get fevers, throughout covid and any other illness my temp has remained no higher than the 37s and I always battle through whatever I have (mum life). My husband wanted to take me to hospital because the pain was so bad I cried. They've also said it can't be flu because I have no cough/runny nose etc.

I suppose I'm looking for reassurance that bed rest for a few days is the sensible option? I don't want to be irresponsible with my health but see no need to bother a dr with my flu symptoms.

It sounds like you are really unwell, it’s hard to judge our own level of illness. So if your family, who no you better than anyone, are saying you need help then listen to them.

Go for the middle ground. Phone 111.

(Id like to preface this by saying I am not a medical professional). Im sorry you’re feeling so poorly. There are a few very nasty viruses going around, not just Covid and the flu. It’s not true that you will always get certain symptoms with certain illnesses. Some illnesses can be asymptomatic, mild or you’ll get a few symptoms but not all of them. Many viruses have a symptom overlap. It sounds like you just have a particularly nasty case of a virus. Seek medical advice if you’re having hallucinations, can’t focus to make conversation or any other neurological issue or body rashes. Ditto, if your urine output gets very low, you’re passing dark or unpleasant smelling urine or having pain whilst passing urine. Id personally be more concerned if your symptoms got worse or didn’timprove whilst taking paracetamol, ibuprofen or other NSAIDs. Otherwise, just keep going as you are and drink plenty of fluids. I know it’s difficult but avoid the temptation not to have a wee because of the body aches. Urine retention can cause all sorts of unpleasant UTIs. I hope you feel better soon. 🌺

Sounds like absolutely shit flu - I had something similar a month ago with all the same symptoms. Just holed up in bed for 5 days and I came out of it unscathed.

We’ve all just had the flu in our house (even though all vaxxed!) and it was similar. MISERABLE. But similar.

Think you are doing the right thing. If you are the same tomorrow I would ring your GP and ask for a callback, but you certainly don’t sound like you should go to a&e or anything.

Watch out for the weeing though - you could be needlessly suffering from a uti or kidney infection.

Layman's opinion- but the lower back pain and frequent peeing would make me concerned for kidney infection.
A relative of mine had a kidney infection that then turned to sepsis and put her in CCU for several days.
111 would seem a sensible precaution.

Same opinion here.

I always take to my bed (non mum life)

It’s the severe back pain and frequent urination that’s the red flag for not just flu though. Did you have these symptoms too?

I think you're being daft. Your symptoms suggest a UTI/kidney infection and that won't get better without help and also have the potential to damage your kidneys or develop into sepsis which can kill you. Doesn't have to be A&E but yes, you should seek medical advice. Urgent care is a good medium, especially if you can use 111 to book an appointment. I'd say try your GP but if they're anything like mine you have no chance of getting an appointment.

Hope you feel better soon!

I think you’re right, it sounds like flu! Flu is awful must worse than a very bad cold. Don’t go to A&E you can obviously function a little if you are able to be on mumsnet take painkillers and see how you feel in 24 hours if you get worse than maybe think about getting help!

A local pharmacy may be able to dip your urine for you too, but it's not a reliable test.

With those symptoms, I'd try to book an appointment with my GP for a suspected UTI

Please seek medical advice. It might just be flu but you shouldn't mess about with a potential kidney infection.

This. That's not flu. At least phone your GP or 111, you do need to be checked. Get a urine sample ready.

I agree that you should get checked for a UTI / kidney infection if you have back pain and you are peeing a lot.

I would 111 it or GP. With severe back pain you should always check it out. And a simple pee dip test can rule out kidney infection.

I find virus/flu bugs ect is always unpredictable. I was not affected at all with covid, felt fine just couple days testing positive...but then was floored with a common cold 😭

I agree with PPs, these are red flags for a kidney infection which is no joke. See your GP urgently.

As above

Get checked out for a kidney infection. Immediately.

When I get a cold, virus etc I usually get kidney pain. I just put this down to my kidneys working harder to expel bits of broken viruses and other toxins so I wouldn't nec go see my Gp. I just go to bed with painkillers and water/ squash for a day or so.

I have had kidney infections tho and I feel completely pants with hot flushes so it soaks my pjs. I don't get uti symptoms tho, just an overriding temperature with sweating, alternating with chills. I get the kidney pain after I've started antibiotics. I go with a urine sample which is positive for an infection when they test it.

In your case, as it's mid-afternoon I'd just go to bed with painkillers etc and see how I go. I felt worse overnight then I'd contact the GP tmr when they open for an appt.

This is bad advice and I would not encourage anyone to do this.

Honestly even if going to urgent care takes several hours, it's better than being in hospital for weeks or even dead!

Yes because I was chugging water for the sore throat about a litre per hour when I was awake and not passed out in bed lol. Back pain was all parts of my joints aching.

Really common to get back ache with flu and covid, personally I'd keep take pain killers and lots of fluids/ rest and call for advice of things don't improve.