Page 10 | Really terrified about this flu going around

Caramelbarrel · 2025-12-07T21:15:59+00:00

I’m in a total panic about the flu. It’s everywhere I look online, people are posting about it left, right and centre. Including locally. I’m always hugely anxious when my DS gets ill anyway and so if he gets it I know I’ll be a wreck. I have bad health anxiety too. I don’t know anyone personally who has it, but I know it’s just a matter of time. I’m so worried I’ll get it before Christmas and it’ll all be ruined for our DS. We’re supposed to be going down and staying with family.

Idontpostmuch · 08/12/2025 23:09

Ladybridgerton25 · 08/12/2025 12:09

If it helps at all, we’ve all
got it in my house right now and aren’t too bad. How do I know it’s flu? Because we had to take our youngest to the out of hours for an inner ear infection and they swabbed her for Covid, flu etc and it came back positive for Flu A. So they did my husband and I and it also came back positive. Husband was just getting over it and we just thought it was a nasty cold, I had zero symptoms until a day later and so far it’s a sore throat, headache and I’m a bit sneezy. Now my eldest has woken up with it this morning (obviously she hasn’t been swabbed for proof but let’s just say process of elimination it’s likely) she’s ok with Nurophen and fluids.

I know flu can be horrendous, I’ve had it once in my 20s and was bed bound for 2 weeks and I swear to god since then, every time someone said to me “oh I’ve got the flu” I rolled my eyes internally because to me flu was so serious you couldn’t be functioning well, everyone tells you that including tv doctors etc. But we’ve got this strain and it’s no where near as bad as I had it all those years ago.

I'm just saying this because it affects people differently at different times and if you do get it, it might not be too bad. I’d still get the flu jab privately if you’re worried though and you think it'll
put your mind at ease.

edit: before anyone takes offence I’m not diminishing it, I’ve had it and I know how serious it can be , I was very very poorly when I had it first time. But honestly this one hasn’t hit me the same and I’d have just thought it was a cold if the hospital hadn’t swabbed us, if a friend had said oh you’ve got flu I’d have laughed and said noooooo it’s not that bad. So maybe try not to pre panic as if you do get it, you might not even get it that badly

Edited

Very interesting post. So you can get it mildly? I hadn't realised that and, like you, have always been dubious about people claiming to have flu but being up and about. I've had 'real flu' only twice, though from what you've found I may have had it at other times but mildly. Both times I was in bed for 9 days. Bad headache that got even worse when I lifted it from the pillow; aching all over; hot; unable to eat; legs wobbly when I got up to go to toilet; and that indefinable but well known 'fluey' feeling. Counted the hrs until I could have more paracetamol. Something that marked it out as being different from other viral illnesses was the suddenness with which it came on. Only a couple of hrs between feeling slightly unwell and going right down. Recovery equally sudden. One day after getting out of bed had fully recovered, as if there had never been anything wrong.

Ladybridgerton25 · 09/12/2025 04:23

Idontpostmuch · 08/12/2025 23:09

Very interesting post. So you can get it mildly? I hadn't realised that and, like you, have always been dubious about people claiming to have flu but being up and about. I've had 'real flu' only twice, though from what you've found I may have had it at other times but mildly. Both times I was in bed for 9 days. Bad headache that got even worse when I lifted it from the pillow; aching all over; hot; unable to eat; legs wobbly when I got up to go to toilet; and that indefinable but well known 'fluey' feeling. Counted the hrs until I could have more paracetamol. Something that marked it out as being different from other viral illnesses was the suddenness with which it came on. Only a couple of hrs between feeling slightly unwell and going right down. Recovery equally sudden. One day after getting out of bed had fully recovered, as if there had never been anything wrong.

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I never thought you could get it less seriously either, I was always adamant people were wrong if they weren’t too bad and said it was flu. First time I had it, it hit within half a school day, I was hallucinating, high temp, awful throat and headache and I was coughing up so much stuff I could barely speak without setting off a coughing fit. It took months to recover properly. And I’ve always held firm on the line “if it’s flu you wouldn’t go outside to pick up the winning lottery ticket on your doorstep” This has also been said countless times on tv shows like this morning and Lorraine by their on air doctors.

But we were all swabbed for it at the hospital when our little ones swab came back positive for flu A, it came back positive for us too and we were put in a private room with another family whose little one had it whilst she was being monitored. I wasn’t even unwell when it came back positive (it did hit the next morning though) and DH was displaying cold symptoms but nothing worse.
Whilst I don’t feel great now and I’m wide awake at a stupid time, I’ve only had symptoms it for 48hrs and I’m already feeling better. My sore throat is nearly gone no headache and all I’ve really got is crackling in my ears with the congestion. If I’d not had the doctor tell me we’ve got it, I’d have thought we had a standard cold virus. I find it very very odd.

RedCamera · 09/12/2025 04:52

Ladybridgerton25 · 09/12/2025 04:23

I never thought you could get it less seriously either, I was always adamant people were wrong if they weren’t too bad and said it was flu. First time I had it, it hit within half a school day, I was hallucinating, high temp, awful throat and headache and I was coughing up so much stuff I could barely speak without setting off a coughing fit. It took months to recover properly. And I’ve always held firm on the line “if it’s flu you wouldn’t go outside to pick up the winning lottery ticket on your doorstep” This has also been said countless times on tv shows like this morning and Lorraine by their on air doctors.

But we were all swabbed for it at the hospital when our little ones swab came back positive for flu A, it came back positive for us too and we were put in a private room with another family whose little one had it whilst she was being monitored. I wasn’t even unwell when it came back positive (it did hit the next morning though) and DH was displaying cold symptoms but nothing worse.
Whilst I don’t feel great now and I’m wide awake at a stupid time, I’ve only had symptoms it for 48hrs and I’m already feeling better. My sore throat is nearly gone no headache and all I’ve really got is crackling in my ears with the congestion. If I’d not had the doctor tell me we’ve got it, I’d have thought we had a standard cold virus. I find it very very odd.

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Because the symptoms we get from the flu and similar illnesses are mostly created by the immune system's response to the virus, rather than the virus itself, they can vary a lot from person to person or the same person at different times. It depends on things like your overall health, genetics, age, viral load, and previous exposure.

MrsMillyFluff · 09/12/2025 05:26

My DH and myself had the flu jab and still had flu really badly 3 weeks ago. I ended up on steroids. We were both bed ridden for 4/5 days. I returned to work a week after contacting it because my boss isn't very sympathetic and it was easier to traipse in, but I still don't feel right - fatigued and just out of fettle. Bear in mind though, we both have underlying health issues so that didn't help us.

Idontpostmuch · 09/12/2025 10:21

Ladybridgerton25 · 09/12/2025 04:23

I never thought you could get it less seriously either, I was always adamant people were wrong if they weren’t too bad and said it was flu. First time I had it, it hit within half a school day, I was hallucinating, high temp, awful throat and headache and I was coughing up so much stuff I could barely speak without setting off a coughing fit. It took months to recover properly. And I’ve always held firm on the line “if it’s flu you wouldn’t go outside to pick up the winning lottery ticket on your doorstep” This has also been said countless times on tv shows like this morning and Lorraine by their on air doctors.

But we were all swabbed for it at the hospital when our little ones swab came back positive for flu A, it came back positive for us too and we were put in a private room with another family whose little one had it whilst she was being monitored. I wasn’t even unwell when it came back positive (it did hit the next morning though) and DH was displaying cold symptoms but nothing worse.
Whilst I don’t feel great now and I’m wide awake at a stupid time, I’ve only had symptoms it for 48hrs and I’m already feeling better. My sore throat is nearly gone no headache and all I’ve really got is crackling in my ears with the congestion. If I’d not had the doctor tell me we’ve got it, I’d have thought we had a standard cold virus. I find it very very odd.

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@Ladybridgerton25 We can't believe all that doctors tell us, clearly. Like HPV only being transmitted sexually. As you've proved, flu can be mild. Good to hear none of you are suffering badly, and hope you recover completely very soon.

Comeonbabyblue · 09/12/2025 13:57

I get you're nervous but I honestly dont even think it matters now, get the jab if it makes you feel better though it may offer some protection.

My husband and I had jabs mid to end october
Ds1 had his spray on 27th November and since wed 3rd December until yesterday hasn't been able,to hold himself up, screaming in pain, cough, temperatures, light sensitivity, pain everywhere, vomiting for 24 hours last week, no appetite.
DS2 started on Friday just gone hes none verbal but appears the same. Hasnt took a step since Friday, cant sit up and is in pain, temp spiking 39+ was 40+ at one points. (Hasnt yet had his spray)

I got something on Saturday presume its what the kids have got except i can lift my head up, walk just about now and only today can I eat and be in light.
Hit husband last night and hes absolutely floored. Seen a doctor for both kids who believe its flu for both but dont know really 🤷‍♀️
I believe the flu jab is protecting against a different type of flu thats going round or so ive read / heard but im not an expert. Just if that is true Id like to believe its still gave some protection and we've got off quite lightly compared to some people so maybe it is worth getting.

Original poster

Caramelbarrel · 09/12/2025 20:16

@Comeonbabyblue

I know it wasn’t your intention to, but that post has just really scared me. It’s all the things I’m worried about, especially for my DS.

OP posts:

TwotierChristmas · 09/12/2025 20:45

@Ladybridgerton25 have you had your flu.jab

Strawberrryfields · 09/12/2025 20:50

@Comeonbabyblue Well if she was mildly worried before, she’ll be bloomin terrified now! 🫣
But genuinely that sounds awful, hope you’re all feeling better soon.

DeanElderberry · 09/12/2025 20:57

I felt pretty grim over the weekend, but some time today it lifted and I think I'll be back to normal tomorrow - just as well, I need to get cat food and cat litter and replenish my stocks of paracetamol and ibuprofen, despite my cheerful assurance to the pharmacist last week that I'd bought enough to see me into next year.

Other useful things to have in stock were seven-up (with real sugar) useful for rehydration and energy when not up to eating anything, and those little tubs of fruit salad and similar, tolerable when real food, even fruit, was repellent.

Various health professionals on the radio were stressing that getting the jab will immediately give some immunity and reduce severity of any infection, so go for it.

tellmesomethingtrue · 09/12/2025 20:58

I don’t read about flu on-line so I am completely oblivious. You should try it.

TwotierChristmas · 09/12/2025 21:01

Doesn't anyone else wonder why we can't be more like some Asian countries and just go with masks in public spaces like transports , airport , docs waiting rooms and anywhere crowded?
Just for a short while ?

DeanElderberry · 09/12/2025 21:05

Being completely oblivious is fine if you are confident you have enough home remedies and supplies to cope with being incapacitated for about 5 days if you are hit with something. Being slightly concerned and keeping informed helps you to have a little control of outcomes, not a bad thing.

in my opinion.

Primroses62 · 09/12/2025 21:08

I’ve had the flu jab and started with a cold today. I worked from home looking dreadful, but if I hadn’t had the flu jab it might have been worse.

Idontpostmuch · 09/12/2025 21:15

Caramelbarrel · 09/12/2025 20:16

@Comeonbabyblue

I know it wasn’t your intention to, but that post has just really scared me. It’s all the things I’m worried about, especially for my DS.

@Caramelbarrel Don't worry. Just because other people are ill, it doesn't mean you will be, too. When pregnant, people tell horror stories about giving birth and we just ignore them. Well, ignore these horror stories too. Stock up on otc meds and relax.

Strawberrryfields · 09/12/2025 21:15

TwotierChristmas · 09/12/2025 21:01

Doesn't anyone else wonder why we can't be more like some Asian countries and just go with masks in public spaces like transports , airport , docs waiting rooms and anywhere crowded?
Just for a short while ?

I hear what you’re saying and personally wouldn’t mind wearing one but think we’d be in the minority. Culturally, mask wearing has been a thing in some Asian countries for ages whereas here it’s linked to covid and I think a lot of people would be reluctant to comply or see it as a governmental control conspiracy type thing.

No masks is our normal and after Covid the message was get back to normal - not, ‘this is actually a sensible long-term precaution for seasonal illnesses’. When I see someone in a mask now it’s notable as it’s unusual. I think lots of people would feel self conscious wearing them unless it was a direct instruction (even if they quietly agreed) and lots of people would outright refuse to wear them especially if it was a direct instruction.

If mask wearing was ever to become a thing here I think we’ve missed the boat.

MrsHamlet · 09/12/2025 21:17

Caramelbarrel · 07/12/2025 22:27

I will pay for it at the local boots, I didn’t realise you could (sorry if I sound stupid) I thought they were reserved for the immune compromised and elderly etc. didn’t realise you could just go and pay for it.

However my DH won’t have it done, says it’s pointless and he doesn’t want to, says I’m making a fuss about nothing. He works in a school so very likely to pick it up and pass it on here.

The local authority of the school I work in pays for us to have the flu jab. Would he do that if it was free?

PeonyPatch · 09/12/2025 21:30

Start wearing your face masks

StruggleFlourish · 09/12/2025 21:32

Yeah I know people who are 100% adamant that they will not get the flu shot or any other shot and yet, they were brought up long long before the age of social media and alternate news and influencers coming up with all these cockamami ideas that vaccines are part of a secret government mind control (or some other baloney)...

These are people who are well into their adult years, otherwise considered to be intelligent and well informed and well read, who simply will not get the flu shot or, after they've had two or three of them back in the day, any more covid shots.

"I've had enough of this! They can't make me! When we were kids we didn't get shots for every last thing (not true, but it was so long ago I'm sure they've forgotten), You go out there, you get sick, it's not a big deal! Why does everybody have to make such a big deal out of everything!?!?" (Is what they say, not what I say)

I say that public health which includes the development of and distribution of effective vaccines does a great job of lowering the instances and severity of illness within the population. No it's not 100% protection. Nothing is 100% protection. Yes there is the argument that the vaccination you get today may not protect you from the flu strain you come in contact with.
Aside from that... Basically people who use the argument that since "it is not 100,000% effective, it's not good enough for them so, why bother" ... Fine. Go out there live your life. The problem is, if they get sick, they're going to bring it back to your household. So, you do what you can to protect yourself, which includes getting your vaccinations, getting your children vaccinated, and then practicing good hygiene like washing your hands and keeping your hands away from your face and your eyes and your nose and your mouth, stay well hydrated, try to get the proper amount of sleep so you're not exhausted, eat well, when you're in a public place such as a grocery store or shopping mall or a doctor's office, put on a mask. If there's some kind of social engagement or party that'll be quite well attended especially in a small place, consider not going.

That's all you can do to try to stay away from illness during the winter time. Trouble is if you have school age kids, they're going to bring something home from school eventually, and if you have a husband that works in a school, same deal. All you can do is try to minimize the exposure and try to maximize your protection. Aside from that, there's not much you can do. Really. Worrying about it just makes your immune system lower.

TwotierChristmas · 09/12/2025 21:46

@Caramelbarrel I think lots of people don't realise you can get it for free.
I've had lots of conversations with people saying they can't get it because they are not xyz when what they mean is...I can't get it for free.

Staybymw · 09/12/2025 21:49

It seems that everyone who has been sick with it has already had the jab.

TwotierChristmas · 09/12/2025 21:51

I also can't understand when we are in a national health crisis as we are being led to believe this is or getting near one...why not drop school uniform and allow children to wear their proper warm clothes and trainers and ventilator the classes.
When those carbon monitors were issued during COVID they started to go off roughly every hour...ten mins of open windows and doors they went off for a cold while until it built up again .
This is so simple to me. Why can't people simply flush the air every hour ?
And ask people to wear masks in some area...

Hercthro · 09/12/2025 21:55

Caramelbarrel · 07/12/2025 22:27

I will pay for it at the local boots, I didn’t realise you could (sorry if I sound stupid) I thought they were reserved for the immune compromised and elderly etc. didn’t realise you could just go and pay for it.

However my DH won’t have it done, says it’s pointless and he doesn’t want to, says I’m making a fuss about nothing. He works in a school so very likely to pick it up and pass it on here.

Weve all had the flu jab early October , and we were still all absolutely wiped out with it my DS was off school for 2 weeks , im 2 weeks in now and still bad although I am getting up and dressed now.

Not trying to worry you more just saying the jab doesn't seem to be as effective this year
Although im very pro vaccines so would still get it , I suppose we might have been even worse without it.

I wish I could lock us all in the house for the next few weeks .

caringcarer · 09/12/2025 22:06

Just go and get the flu jab

SpeedwellBlue · 09/12/2025 22:08

Hercthro · 09/12/2025 21:55

Weve all had the flu jab early October , and we were still all absolutely wiped out with it my DS was off school for 2 weeks , im 2 weeks in now and still bad although I am getting up and dressed now.

Not trying to worry you more just saying the jab doesn't seem to be as effective this year
Although im very pro vaccines so would still get it , I suppose we might have been even worse without it.

I wish I could lock us all in the house for the next few weeks .

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You'll be immune to it after having it won't you?