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Original poster

Awaiting results: if negative can the flu make you feel like death?

70 replies

Wineneeded247 · 25/01/2021 10:58

Had a test yesterday as whilst I don't have any of the main 3 symptoms, I genuinely feel so poorly. I feel like I've got a head cold with pain in my sinuses, bunged up nose, constant nagging headache- not a severe one but enough to know it's there. I have no oomph, it's like my head is too heavy for my shoulders and everything is an effort. I also have a funny taste in my mouth and my appetite is zero. (unheard of and a silver lining!)

My workplace are unfortunately the least understanding place ever and due to no cough or temp, they really think I should be in. Despite waiting for test results as in their mind I 'don't have any symptoms of Covid19'. (always reassuring when I'm a teacher 🙈)

Anyway, if my test comes back negative what could this be? as it's absolutely knocked me for six and there's no way I could function at work, it's a major effort getting up to even go for a wee! Can the flu feel this bad?

OP posts:
YesItsMeIDontCare · 25/01/2021 11:00

Yes flu can make you feel like death, but I tested positive with your symptoms. 💐

twinmum2017 · 25/01/2021 11:00

The flu absolutely can make you feel that bad. I was literally crawling to the bathroom when I had it, couldn't move from bed.

That said, if I had to bet my money would be on Covid despite none of the 3 main symptoms. You shouldn't go to work.... plus you sound far too poorly to go in anyway!

Sunshinegirl82 · 25/01/2021 11:02

I have had full blown flu once and genuinely thought I might die. I couldn't stand and had to crawl to the toilet. I didn't leave my bed for a week. I've had the flu vaccine privately every year since!

That said it's entirely possible that you do have Covid so look after yourself and I hope you feel better soon.

Mousehole10 · 25/01/2021 11:04

Yes when I last had the flu I couldn’t get out of bed for two weeks. There are many bad viruses around not just covid. It could still be covid though.

Worldgonecrazy · 25/01/2021 11:04

Old fashioned flu can make you feel death would be a release. Unable to crawl out of bed, aching, shivers, weakness, just awful. I’ve known people who have never had a day off sick before flu, stuck in bed for a week.

DamsonBramble · 25/01/2021 11:05

I think you might have covid, but yes flu can be horrendous.

ComDummings · 25/01/2021 11:08

Well any virus can make you extremely unwell, the flu can be a very serious illness so it definitely can make you feel very week and sick. It hospitalises many people every year, including some fit and healthy people. So it certainly could be flu. Hope you’re feeling better soon, have lots of fluids and rest.

GinGella · 25/01/2021 11:08

We have had similar symptoms here but negative tests. Awful regardless hope you feel better soon and yes proper flu is absolutely horrendous.

Ihaveoflate · 25/01/2021 11:10

Yes, I had to be helped to the bathroom the one time I had genuine flu. I was convinced I'd end up in hospital (I didn't).

I'm sure there are also many, many other viruses flying around that can make you feel pretty awful, but we just don't know the names of them and aren't looking out for them.

Redrivershore · 25/01/2021 11:10

I had flu once and I could barely get out of bed, temperature was really high and didn't come down for ages, 6 weeks off work, back one day then off for another week as I felt ill again. It was horrendous and I lost a lot of weight.

Robbybobtail · 25/01/2021 11:12

Doesn’t sound like flu either. Sounds like a bad cold or virus. When you have really bad flu you literally can’t get out of bed and everything hurts - you don’t generally have cold symptoms. I’ve had it once in my life and remember exactly how I felt because I was so ill - dh had to help me to the loo! Couldn’t do anything - I don’t think you’d be typing on mumsnet if you had proper flu.

I think a lot of people think they have flu when it’s really a bad cold/virus and then when they actually get flu realise they’ve never had it before!

littlebillie · 25/01/2021 11:14

I have had flu twice and the second time I could hardly walk. I think watch your blood gas as it can more into pneumonia quickly

CandleWick4 · 25/01/2021 11:14

Poor you OP. I’ve only ever had flu once and it was awful. In bed for 2 weeks, temperature, vomiting, felt like I was dying. Hope you feel better soon.

itsgettingweird · 25/01/2021 11:17

Everyone I know who had covid on past few months has had the same symptoms as you.

I had it in March and started with sinus issues.

That said yes flu can make you feel like your body has a mind of it's own and it's exercising it's right to stage a sit in!

Hopefully you'll get results soon and even if it's flu expect a few weeks until your fit enough to teach again. Thanks

sylbunny · 25/01/2021 11:18

These are my exact symptoms of Covid right now. It's amazing how it effects everyone different

Fabellini · 25/01/2021 11:18

Flu can make you feel absolutely horrific. I’ve been hospitalised with it and I felt awful for a good fortnight even once I got home.
I have had flu vaccine every year since, and I pay for my sons to have it too. They’re late teens and perfectly healthy, but I was mid forties and also perfectly healthy and it knocked me for six.

dublingirl66 · 25/01/2021 11:19

Day 15 of covid here
Started with sore throat
Sneezing
Tummy upset
Running to loo

Be careful and rest a lot
Sounds like covid
Wishing you well xx

CarryOnPlainHunting · 25/01/2021 11:24

I’ve had flu twice and felt absolutely wretched. I struggled to get out of bed to go to the bathroom. Took months to get over it. I always pay for the vaccine now.

Redrivershore · 25/01/2021 11:25

It doesn't sound like flu as you usually get a high temperature and it comes on very quickly, you feel ok then really bad quite quickly.

Prestel · 25/01/2021 11:29

The main symptom of the flu is a fever - not just a raised temperature, but full blown, skin burning hot to the touch, fever. So, if it's not Covid, it doesn't sound like flu tbh. Maybe a bad sinus infection. It will be interesting to know if it does turn out to be Covid, though. The range of symptoms people are getting with it seem really varied compared to other illnesses.

MaxNormal · 25/01/2021 11:30

Yes of course it can. It can actually kill you for real too.

JaimieLeeCurtains · 25/01/2021 11:30

DS and I just tested negative with similar symptoms. We did the tests at home and did them really scrupulously.

DS also has a cough.

He barely leaves the house, and I'm 'shielding'. God knows what it is or where it came from Confused but it's quite worrying.

Bourbanbiscuit · 25/01/2021 11:32

Sorry, but that's how I felt when I tested positive. Take care x

OliveTree75 · 25/01/2021 11:34

I was hospitalised with flu when I was 25.i felt horrific.
Hope you feel better soon

LindaEllen · 25/01/2021 11:35

Your workplace sound awful. Just because your illness might not be labelled 'covid-19' would they really want you to come in and spread those symptoms round? Imagine if everyone then went off in a week's time!

This last year should hopefully have taught many people that they shouldn't go to work if they're unwell, and taught workplaces not to pressure them.

Even if it is 'just flu' (which by the way can obviously be a very serious illness!) you shouldn't be anywhere near work, as people are hospitalised with flu every year, so spreading flu could damage the NHS just as much as spreading covid at the moment.