Flu in pregnancy - any tips?

[ViolaCrayola]

I am 8 weeks pregnant and have been in bed with the flu since Sunday. I have been to the doctor (on Wednesday) but he didn't think I needed antibiotics. The thing is, I'm not getting any better. I am still have high temps, coughing all day and night, muscle aches, sore throat, headaches, absolutely no energy. Plus pregnancy induced nausea - nice!

Has anyone else had flu in pregnancy? Did anything help? Did you find it took ages to feel better? I'm taking paracetemol (doc said normal dose was fine) but nothing else.

HUG!!!! I have had flu with two of my pregnancies.... awful awful. I was about 20+ weeks with both of them, and ended up cracking a rib from coughing with one. Not much you can you, it took me so long to get over it. Vaporub, paracetamol, fishermans throat sweets, lucazade, and the occasional dose of my DD's tixylix (i figure if its suitable for 3months+ i can have a little..). So hope you feel better x

Problem with proper flu is that antibiotics won't treat it because it's viral. It's only if you develop a secondary infestion, ie on the chest, then you need antibiotics. And presumably your doctor checked for that?

If chest doesn't worsen unfortunately the only thing to do is rest, fluids and paracetomol. Other flu meds are not appropriate as things like night nurse and cold flu tablets have ibroprofen and high dose caffeine which is known to be unsafe in pregnancy. Paracetamol is important to ensure you keep your temperature down as high temp can be dangerous for pregnancy too.

It's utterly miserable. I feel your pain! Hot fresh lemon with honey, and albas oil are allowed however! Just be mindful of a too hot bath as your blood pressure can rise and you can faint.

Thanks so much for your messages PreggoEggo and Joygirl78 - really appreciate them. I went back to the docs as I felt something wasn't right and am now on antibiotics (Amoxicillan) for a suspected chest infection :(
Am hoping I can start to feel better soon... it's hit me SO hard, I suppose because I'm pregnant.

PS. Am having lots of hot fresh lemon with honey which is lovely, really soothing. Hoping DH will get me some lucozade later too. Thanks again for the tips :)