Awfull flu

[Howzatt]

Hi just reaching out to people who may have cauhgt this recent flu virus as im becoming very anxious . I have been really unwell for four weeks anyone else been down for so long i seem to be ok one day then floored the next Dr doesnt seem concerned but ive never felt so sick for so long .

Yep DH and I have had some horrid bug for around 4 weeks now. One day we think it's gone then the next day we're coughing like crazy again or blowing noses every 10 minutes. DH was also feverish for a few days and has actually been the most unwell I have ever seen him, he is never ill. We both still have a slight cough but hoping this will now disappear and we won't go downhill again! It's been horrid so you have my sympathies OP!

Yes apparently this year’s flu is awful:

”This year's flu season has started unusually early, with flu activity increasing rapidly and cases currently three times higher than at this time last year. The NHS is urging eligible individuals to get their flu vaccine immediately, as some experts warn this could be one of the toughest flu seasons in a decade”

My household have been down with it also. It has been terrible we're all at different stages of fever/cough/exhaustion it's been horrible and we're three weeks in.

Yep. I have just stopped coughing after 4 weeks. My head has been throbbing too for weeks.

I'm really trying to prevent it coming back by getting sleep and eating well.

I got a terrible flu in August for 10 days and feel this bout was it reigniting.

I have flu now, first time in years. I feel and look absolutely dreadful! My eyes are so sore, as is my throat. Even worse Dp is going away this weekend (which is good on one hand as I can laze about all weekend) but I’m trying desperately to find someone to walk the dog as I doubt I will be recovered enough! I can barely get out of bed.

I did a test this morning and mine is Covid. I still have lingering fatigue from the last time I had it (a few years ago) so I wanted to know what this virus was. I guess at least it explains how rubbish I’ve been feeling! I really hope it doesn’t impact me long term again. I was only just recovering from the bout I had a few years ago!

Hope you all feel better soon.

I’ve got a colleague who’s been off for 3 weeks now and still feeling really unwell with a flu type illness. I can’t remember the last time that they were off sick.

They had their flu jab in the first week of September and the nhs claims are that it’s very effective against the most common circulating strains.

Out of interest, how many of you who are suffering have had this year’s flu vaccine?

I’ve read the opposite - that a new strain has emerged since this years vaccine was developed, and it’s a particularly nasty strain, so while the vaccine will help a little, it’s not as effective as previous years.

Thankfull that noone else in the house caught this. Yes its horrendous i can honestly say ive never had anything knock me out this much. Nasy flu apparently just refuses to budge hope we all can start to feel better soon.

It's COVID.

I had something 6 weeks ago. I didn't test, but I think it was possibly COVID, as I had pains in my legs which I have only ever had with COVID. No one else in the house caught it though!
I was in bed for a week, out of action for the next week, still really tired the next. The cough didn't really subside until 4 weeks, and it's still bothering me now. I'm still getting occasional waves of exhaustion too - just have to sit down and have a complete rest.

I delayed my flu vaccine as I think I had Covid and had only just recovered. Had the flu jab 16 days ago and have felt really unwell since then.
Today I feel more like myself and hope to take the dog on a slightly longer walk. I have managed most days but half the distance at a much much slower pace.
Hoping I am better and don’t relapse tomorrow as others seem to have done. I’m 65 and missing exercise which I feel is essential to my well being.

DH and I didn't have COVID or flu vaccine this year. We don't have any medical conditions and we're not priority but he was invited to go as he's 65, I'm mid 50s. We did have all the COVID jabs before and I used to get the flu ones as I was a teacher so I got them for free through my school. DH had a flu jab once about 3 years ago and had a bad cold shortly after, not really flu, that lasted for a couple of weeks so he said he won't be having it again! He may change his mind now. It's tricky to decide what to do especially when you don't have anything that makes you more vulnerable.

This Covid is so bad. I had the worst sore throat and now my head is so sore, it honestly feels like it could explode. I think I’m on day 4 now officially. I only hope I start improving from here. I am completely floored and can barely move from bed!

Day 5 and I managed to have a nice long lie in. I’ve forced myself out of bed just to have a shower. No temperature today for the first day and no painkillers yet! I still sound bloody awful!

I read the opposite — that the virus has drifted more than normal between choosing the vaccine and administration, but they are still urging people to get the vaccine as it is mitigating some of the symptoms.

I am currently on day 9 with it and it’s gotten progressively worse — fever, fatigue and a headache from hell that gets very little relief from anything. I don’t have some of the other symptoms associated with it and I attribute that to having got the vaccine. I don’t get the vaccine every year, but when they say they are anticipating a particularly bad strain as they did this year, I do get it.

Article on the drift: New flu virus mutation could see 'worst season in a decade' https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2dr8gzdz1wo

Yesterday the headache I had was so bad I was googling aneurysm signs as I have never had a headache that felt that painful (and I get migraines and this was far worse). I had to take 4 nurofen (I know you’re not supposed to!) but I genuinely could barely move it was so hideous.

sorry to hear you’re still suffering @PixelatedLunchbox

Make a tea with cloves, honey, juice of a lemon, ginger and Tumeric. Cover for 5 mins. Strain before drinking. Drink once a day. Also up your Vitamin C intake.

Dh has had it, tested 3 times not COVID but awful nonetheless. It’s 4 weeks on Monday and he’s slowly improving and is back at work, but it keeps coming back - mostly the hot/cold and the headache and coughing. It’s really hit him hard. I haven’t caught it but I had flu jab and he didn’t

I feel so exhausted that I burst into tears when I pulled onto the drive after work yesterday. It was my first day back after over a week off and I obviously wasn't ready yet and am now feeling worse again with a pounding headache, cough, body aches etc

I also have had a couple of part days when I have thought oh I’m ok now. A few hours later I’m poleaxed again. Almost 3 weeks now. Yesterday I cried - I never cry - from being so fed up of being unwell and unable to crack on with anything. Housework and decent food have gone by the by.

I have also been ill for a month. Prior to this recent virus, I had Covid and was only well for 5 days between the two. After this virus was settling, I developed Bronchitis. This is not unusual for me as I have asthma. I have now finished the antibiotics and steroids and do feel much better, but I’m still exhausted and weak, with a tight chest. I have now been ill since September (with just the 5 day break) and I’m seriously pissed off!

@Sunshineismyfavourite Being 65 is his risk factor.

I started having flu jabs at 36 because my mum nearly died of it at 39.

Hi just an update i was diagnosed with pnuemonia wich was caused by flu virus. Ive finished an antibiotic course and hope to get my strengh back. I can agree with the news that this flu strain is very nasty ive never been so unwell. Take things easy should you be unfortunate and catch it is my advice . Hope it will not be as bad as they predict . Was due my flu jab when i came down with this .stay well everyone . Also if your really struggling as i was do not hesitate to get seen i insisted they see me and asked for sputum test to be sent off its a good thing i did . I would not have known it had progressed to pnuemonia otherwise .

It’s well worth paying £20 for the vaccination if you’re not eligible on the NHS. I got mine for £10 at Superdrug with their loyalty card. Why wouldn’t you?