34 weeks with Flu - any tips

[PeanutButterFalcon]

Bit of a pity post, have considered phoning 111 but know they won’t phone back anyway.

I’ve been sick with something or another for the last 6 weeks. Now I think I’ve caught the flu. I’m coughing so much everywhere hurts and my pelvic floor has all but given up on me. Plus the sickness and congestion I’m absolutely shattered.

DH went to the pharmacy and have been told there’s nothing I can do without speaking to a doctor.

please tell me your tips to get through this because I have honestly got nothing left to give. This poor baby must be so shook up with how much I’m coughing.

Hot water from the kettle (let it cool to your desired temp) with a tea spoon of honey, sliced oranges, lemons and cloves pushed into the skins. This helped me out so much when I'd a bad flu and chest infection and was told to ride it out as I couldn't take an antibiotic or over the counter meds.
I was aching all over and my head was pounding from the constant coughing, it was the only relief I got as the paracetamol didn't even touch the sides.
I hope you're feeling better soon but if your symptoms prolong or get worse there is no harm in seeking medical attention/advice
Take care. X

Are you sure it’s flu? I had the same symptoms recently with covid.

If it’s covid, your midwife will be refer you to the remote monitoring service. I found it reassuring to know I had help on hand when I needed it, and that someone was keeping an eye on me and baby.

I was told I could take paracetamol. Anything stronger had to be prescribed. Halls throat sweets were soothing.

Lots of drinks, rest and soft tissues.

@GingerbreadTM thank you. I’ve been trying honey, lemon and ginger, so this might make a lovely change too. Paracetamol definitely isn’t even touching it.
Sounds like you’ve had something similar. Hope it didn’t take long for you to feel better.

@Onlythings my covid tests have been negative so far. Plus there’s a lot of flu going around here so I’m guessing it’s that. Baby’s still kicking away thank goodness. When I had noro at the beginning of all my sickness’s they had gone quiet so it’s reassuring to feel them. I get a good kick after I’ve shook them up coughing!

I found the sliced oranges quite refreshing too. I also got a bag of jakemans chest and throat sweets (savers/home bargains etc sell them and they are in a black packet) they are like halls however they worked wonders for my cough! I had it bad for 5 days which was back in October a couple of weeks after my BFP so I was terrified that I would lose the baby. I did covid tests also and I was negative for a full week so I knew it was a flu of some sort! Covid has destroyed our immune systems due to the lockdowns unfortunately!! I hope you get over this quickly xx

I have had (nearly through?) something similar and just discovered saline nasal spray! It’s suitable during pregnancy (and from birth for children) - I got a calpol branded one because it was all shops had, but think you can get generic pharmacy ones. It made such a difference. Also hot blackcurrant, and hot lemon with honey (but a whole lemon’s worth of juice per mug of water to try and get a vitamin hit).

Sympathies, it’s horrid not being able to take much. I found sleeping awful at the peak of my cold.

Hello
37 weeks pregnant here and just about recovered (apart from residue cough and extreme rib pain from coughing and vomiting). I did a 111 form last Saturday it was so bad, call back at 5am, seen 7am, x-ray confirmed respiratory infection and given antibiotics.
It started nearly 3 weeks ago but got really bad just over a week ago, hence the 111 form. They didn't think I was wasting their time and confirmed it had gone to my chest, which is a risk for baby.
Get yourself checked out.

Thank you everyone. Was feeling very sorry for myself yesterday! I think this pregnancy has destroyed my immune system.

DH slept on the sofa last night and I think I got about 15 hours sleep so feeling a lot better just from that.

@Jellyjam36 I had a cold about 2 weeks ago but think this is another bug as the household seem to have it too. Although I seem to be the only one constantly coughing. Going to have to put on DD’s nappy at this rate. Glad you’re starting to feel better. The rib pain is awful isn’t it.