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Original poster

Worried I have Coronavirus

237 replies

ohshit2020 · 04/02/2020 19:02

I know this might sound silly or far fetched but hear me out..

I'm very rarely ill. Probably once a year if that. But now I have the most horrendous cough, I can't catch my breath sometimes when the coughing starts. It's come out of nowhere and I'm absolutely floored.

Im seriously worried that it's something sinister. Like I said I'm rarely ill so this is out of sorts for me. I feel like I can't function because of the sore throat, coughing and general feeling of being unwell.

AIBU here? It's just so scary with everything that is going on at the moment, I'm thinking all sorts in my head.

OP posts:
PotholeParadise · 06/02/2020 08:56

Even if there was a 0% death rate, we don't want it. If another virus, just like flu, swept the country, and all it did was make you feel like you wanted to die for two weeks, and then you made a complete recovery, it would still be a disaster for the country. The ongoing disruption from everyone's time off work would be felt for months afterwards.

VanGoghsDog · 06/02/2020 09:16

It has double the mortality rate of normal flu, which means 3x the people dying this winter. And far more hospitalised.

And the big problem is the incubation period, up to two weeks, no symptoms. So, we could all have it, right now, and be spreading it around yet be symptomless.

Until they get more info and, hopefully, a vaccination, we are well advised to take care.

Cathay Pacific have asked their air crew to take three months unpaid leave.

VanGoghsDog · 06/02/2020 09:18

Most people are not vaccinated against flu in Britain (or anywhere). Pregnant, over 65 or have an underlying condition - you'll be vaccinated. That's about it in England I think.

You can pay and have it done yourself, I have. And many employers fund it for their staff. It's only about £12.

Dolorabelle · 06/02/2020 09:31

So is there no chance of anyone over in the UK having the virus unless they've been in China recently?

An expert on the BBC Radio 4 today programme said categorically that this new Coronavirus is spread by droplets, not by aerosol spraying of viral particles (eg sneezing). You literally have to coughed on by someone carrying the virus.

You may have 'flu if you ave a fever etc, or you may just have a very heavy cold and respiratory infection (tight, gunky lungs).

There is a nasty cold virus going around - I've had it for two weeks. It's debilitating and I've been coughing up nasty gunk for 10 days.

There is also winter flu every year and every year 100s of people do die of it. BUt there are usually ill in other ways - or elderly or immune-compromised, or have other diseases or illnesses (asthma, or COPD etc).

I was in CHina recently, and have been ill, but I know it's not the coronavirus. Be rational about tis.

florababy84 · 06/02/2020 12:50

Cathay Pacific have asked their air crew to take three months unpaid leave.

This is a classic example of why you shouldn't believe things people say on the internet without fact checking.

Cathay is asking all their staff to take 3 weeks' unpaid leave on rotation. It's not because they fear their staff getting sick, it's because Cathay is hemorrhaging money due to the double blows of the protests then the new coronavirus. Asking them to take unpaid leave is a cost-cutting measure.

Aridane · 06/02/2020 14:32

Exactly- not 3 months but up to 3 weeks.

And they’re also asking their suppliers to take a hit

VanGoghsDog · 06/02/2020 20:01

Cathay is asking all their staff to take 3 weeks' unpaid leave on rotation. It's not because they fear their staff getting sick, it's because Cathay is hemorrhaging money due to the double blows of the protests then the new coronavirus. Asking them to take unpaid leave is a cost-cutting measure.

Sorry, I meant to type weeks, honest!

But I never said it was because they were afraid of them getting sick! I knew it was to help with cost cutting over the fact they are losing flights. I didn't know I had to give every single detail.

mrsBtheparker · 06/02/2020 23:22

I know of people who still have their Christmas chest problems.

Lweji · 07/02/2020 07:42

But I never said it was because they were afraid of them getting sick! I knew it was to help with cost cutting over the fact they are losing flights. I didn't know I had to give every single detail.

Why on earth did you write it at the end of a post all about the disease then, and with no other explanation. Poor backtracking there.

Logfootlightoe · 07/02/2020 07:46

I think unless you have come in close contact with someone from the region or the areas affected you have nothing to worry about.

VanGoghsDog · 07/02/2020 08:32

Why on earth did you write it at the end of a post all about the disease then, and with no other explanation. Poor backtracking there.

Because I had just heard about it. And it is about the disease, it's partly because they have had to cancel so many flights, due to the disease. So it is relevant to the other stuff but I never suggested it was because they thought their staff would all get the flu.

Whichoneofyoudidthat · 07/02/2020 08:45

People are totally losing their shit in Hong Kong. There are rumours galore about the supply of goods (which have remain unchanged). Supermarket shelves are empty of toilet paper by the end of the day because of some rumour or other about lack of supply. People are being challenged if they're not wearing a mask (as if you can get your hands on one anyway!). It's like people are preparing for the Zombie apocalypse. Nuts.

Lweji · 07/02/2020 08:46
Hmm

It was implied, as per the reactions you got.

VanGoghsDog · 07/02/2020 09:40

It was implied, as per the reactions you got.

It may have been (wrongly) inferred but it was certainly not implied.

Lweji · 07/02/2020 09:49

It was implied in the way it was written, readers inferred. Wink

Not sure you meant it or not, but as it was written and with the lack of further comment you can't really blame readers.

Dophin2020 · 07/03/2020 11:50

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

my2bundles · 07/03/2020 12:01

If u are worried contact the 111nhs online service specifically for people who are worried they have coronovirus. Quick Google and you will find it

fiddledefiddle · 07/03/2020 12:04

The last place I'd go would be the GP right now just in case there is somebody there with the corona virus.

Throckmorton · 07/03/2020 12:11

Cheers Dophin2020 - signed

fiddledefiddle · 07/03/2020 12:13

What is the petition?

happypotamus · 07/03/2020 12:34

The petition says "We would like the government to at least consider closing schools/colleges down in the coming weeks or as soon as possible, in addition to taking necessary actions to prevent further spread." But the government have already considered that. It is part of their contingency plan for coronavirus, which has been all over the media this week. The government don't feel that we are yet at the point where this step is necessary. I don't necessarily trust the government to deal effectively with this or any other crisis, to be honest, but the petition seems pointless as it is asking for something that has already happened.

thegreylady · 07/03/2020 12:43

Sneezing isn’t one of the symptoms of Corona virus

mindproject · 07/03/2020 12:59

Maybe you just have radiation poisoning from the new 5G network.

PatchworkMonkey · 07/03/2020 13:09

uhhh I'm the same OP I think I have the flu. HORRENDOUS hacking cough that makes me gag and my chest rattle (thrown up once with it) body aches, keep going hot & cold, dizzy, splitting headache across my forehead and blocked nose. I feel so run down and exhausted.

I haven't been abroad in 2 years and don't get out much so extremely unlikely it's corona.

DC were picked up by exs mum yesterday for their weekend. As soon as they left I had the heating on full, fleece PJ's tucked into fleecy socks, 3 blankets, 2 hot water bottles and a winter duvet on the sofa. I was STILL freezing. I fell in and out of sleep for the next few hours and then forced myself to eat (couldn't taste it) and went to bed, again coughing and in and out of sleep. I still feel shocking today. Just taken my temp and it's 36.3 but I am taking paracetamol & brufen very regularly!

Ordering a spicy curry tonight! Grin

Get well soon to all Flowers

gamerwidow · 07/03/2020 13:13

There have been some awful bugs around this year. I'm back on a preventer inhaler for asthma for the first time in 20 years as a result of a really nasty chest infection back I caught in December. DD has just had a nasty bout of tonsillitis. It's been quite a bad year in general for bugs anecdotally. Lots of people at work also had bad colds and chest infections.
Hope everyone feels better.

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