Can anyone explain why infection makes you feel so diabolically awful?

[Collymollypuff]

I'm being investigated (blood tests etc done, awaiting results) but it's suspected diverticulitis. It's about 2 weeks since I had acute pain; the GP has explained that in future I must go straight onto antibiotics the minute the painful cramps begin, but I didn't know that at the time, and she didn't offer ABs now that the pain has gone.

My question is: why do I still feel so abominable? Really tired, woozy, like flu. Can hardly stand for any length of time. no chance of Xmas shopping Is it still the infection in my body? I know that UTIs in the elderly can show up as mental confusion - so is my body being generally undermined by a lingering infection?

Flu like symptoms are the symptoms of your body fighting an infection. Inflammatory cytokines causing various effects on the body to kill the invaders.

Thanks, Lonecat. Is there a typical period for this to last without any medication, please? The GP seemed to be saying I should just sleep it out.

Depends on the type of infection, how robust your immune system is and a number of other factors.