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Original poster

Sick note for post flu symptoms?

14 replies

Polarbearflavour · 07/02/2019 15:49

I’ve had nearly 7 days off with flu, proper flu as in I couldn’t get out of bed, fever, hallucinations etc.

I have asthma. I also have a productive cough (green sputum, lovely) and I can hear myself wheeze and rumble now. I am completely wiped out and exhausted and don’t think I would be able to make it to work on Monday. Showering is exhausting right now and I did a laundry load and had to lie down!

I also vomited yesterday evening for no reason and feel really nauseous.

Do you think my GP will sign me off work? I have seen her a couple of times about things recently that were investigated and no cause found so I’m really worried she’ll think I’m a hypochondriac.

The last time I was signed off was a couple of years ago for a broken arm.

OP posts:

Blastandtroph · 07/02/2019 15:54

I've had similar. You have my sympathies. Sounds like you certainly aren't fit for work imminently and that the GP ought to listen to your chest too. Try to do a few things round the house gently as I find the aching is often not helped by complete inactivity. Hope you feel better very soon.

Blastandtroph · 07/02/2019 15:57

Sorry reading back you didn't actually say you were achy but I'd imagine you are!

Original poster

Polarbearflavour · 07/02/2019 15:58

Thanks for the reply! Yes, very achy, especially my back.

OP posts:

Wolfiefan · 07/02/2019 16:01

Flu is grim. Of course you should be signed off. Feel better soon.

Myusernameismud · 07/02/2019 16:04

Flu is really dangerous for asthmatics. I presume you had your flu jab, so hopefully you've got a milder version and will have less side effects, but if you're particularly wheezy you might need a course of steroids. The gp will listen to your chest and in my experience, if you're short of breath they will sign you off.

Myusernameismud · 07/02/2019 16:04

Not trying to minimise how shit you're feeling BTW, but if you've had your jab you will be less affected and generally have fewer complications

marriednotdead · 07/02/2019 16:09

I did this the last time I had flu- I'm in an active on my feet job and, like you, I was not fit for anything after a week!
My GP happily signed me off for a further week and called it either flu or post viral fatigue.

Original poster

Polarbearflavour · 07/02/2019 16:13

I did have a flu jab yep, I’m sure I would be a lot worse if I hadn’t.

OP posts:

mummymayhem18 · 07/02/2019 16:41

Sounds like you have a chest infection. Make an appointment to see your doctor. I'm currently struggling to get rid of mine. Hope you get sorted soon. X

RosemarysBush · 07/02/2019 16:50

I don’t know if they will sign you off for few days but they definitely should. Or maybe suggest you go back on phased return? The one time I had flu I thought I was ok to return to work, forced myself up, dressed, dropped DC at school then collapsed in tears in my car. That was all I could manage the whole day.
When I did go back I struggled to breathe for a further week or so when exerting myself (I was a carer/cleaner). Depends what you do I suppose but I have no lung problems normally.

NeurotrashWarrior · 07/02/2019 18:44

Absolutely get signed off.

You may have an infection so check that, get steroids if your asthma is bit controlled and take a week off or even 2 if you need it. I felt quite unwell for two weeks after a chest infection and it wasn't even flu. I was just exhausted. Plus steroids make me feel yack.

Make sure you're following your asthma plan well.

NeurotrashWarrior · 07/02/2019 18:47

Hypochondria is when there's categorically no illness but the patient is convinced there is a serious issue. Eg sore neck is cancer.

Having to see the Gp for a number of reasons is what they're sometimes there for.

I used to think like this but have several chronic illnesses and had to have some counselling to help me both deal with them, but believing I was a hypochondriac was part of the issue. She had to point out that it was extremely sensible to see a Gp if you were unwell and struggling.

Esp with asthma.

Original poster

Polarbearflavour · 08/02/2019 11:28

I’ve been signed off for a week, GP said to call if I’m not well next week and she’ll happily sign me off for another week.

No infection but my peak flow is low.

OP posts:

NeurotrashWarrior · 08/02/2019 12:46

Good. I don't think you'll be well enough next week though unless your asthma is properly managed.

What are you on?

Speaking from personal recent fucking awful experience. I was recently told in no uncertain terms that if my peak flow / symptoms are not manageable after a day of using the blue reliver frequently with a virus, to take the oral steroids. And my asthma is 'mild' but has begun to deteriorate. I find I have a 25% extra layer of exhaustion that's simply a permanently slightly low peak flow.

This was an asthma nurse though, my gps refer to them.

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