Is extreme fatigue normal after a nasty cold?

[Crepesuzanne]

I'm second trimester pregnant. Haven't had a cold or flu in years.

Last Sunday I woke up with a sore throat and lost my voice, what followed was an awful cold. Typical sneezing, snot, coughing but constantly. Had to spend 1.5 days laid up I felt that bad.

Snot and coughing is dissipating now but I'm so incredibly fatigued I can't function

Par for the course?

I would speak to NHS 111, and not to worry you but I think they might suggest a COVID test.

@RockingMyFiftiesNot

I would speak to NHS 111, and not to worry you but I think they might suggest a COVID test.

I did do a test and it was negative.

I expected it'd be negative as I already tested positive for that at the end of last year, luckily covid wasn't bad for me.

This is 'just a cold' but a bloody nasty one

I've coughed and sneezed that much I now have a hernia and stress incontinence

Glad you didn't have it too badly. I'd still speak to NHS111 about your symptoms, they are the right people to put your mind at rest.

Thanks Rocking, I think I will.

No chance of speaking to my GP so that's probably a good idea.

Yes it can be. Many people don't realise this, but there is no such thing as "a cold" - a cold is a series of symptoms, not a "thing". Colds can be caused by over 200 viruses and also a number of bacteria. The nastiest ones are often bacterial and may require antibiotics, although because we have adopted a "colds are caused by viruses and don't respond to antibiotics" approach, people often don't get them even when they might be needed because the assumption is that a virus is the cause, not a bacteria.

You had this since Sunday, so I would recommend seeing how you are on Monday / Tuesday, but if it hasn't improved substantially then consult your GP. A week is not at all uncommon for a cold. Just take the hint and rest!

Thanks Moon, that makes alot of sense.

Is there any way of knowing whether it's bacterial or viral? Short of a blood test?

I felt a bit better on Tuesday so managed to do more around the house but then crashed again Wednesday. Felt marginally better Thursday but still took it easy, then I feel completely wiped out today.

My poor DS has been suffering too, waking in the night then getting up early and needing to go back to bed.

I had two appointments scheduled for this week which I had to rearrange for next. Hopefully I'm much better by Monday.