Question About the Flu UPDATE

[DisneyOma]

I confess that, at age 52, I don't *think* I've ever had the flu. If I did, I could not tell it apart from any other type of illness that I've ever gotten that has a fever and the usual symptoms.

So, today, I got up and was feeling absolutely normal. Went to work. Around 9AM, I noticed I felt like I needed to clear my throat here and there and I had a small cough. Very small. My coworker actually had one too and I even remarked to him about it. Pollen counts are very high so I attributed it to the full bloom of cherry blossoms.

Then I noticed later that I was feeling chilly. Now, I haven't been cold in at least a year as I'm in the throes of menopause. I was achy also, but I've actually *been* achy for two weeks because I've strained my hip and back so it's just really hard to tell. But as the day wore on, it got more noticeable. On the ride home I was freezing and feeling so achy.

I get home and my little cough is there but it actually seems not as bad. When I do any talking for a length of time, my voice my break up a bit. No runny nose. Fever is 100.8.

Now after reading tons of magazines, watching Tamiflu commercials, etc. I thought "Maybe I have the flu." I should run in and get the swab and catch it early. So I went to an urgent care and sat there for 2 hours. Swab is negative. Doctor said maybe I was too early but I know nothing about if there is such a thing as the literature says you shed about a day prior to symptoms. He loaded me up with Zithromax and Tamiflu and said I didn't *have* to take the Tamiflu but I probably had the flu.

So, for you flu experts: does this sound typical for early flu symptoms? I don't think it does. My temp is up to 101.5 but I have yet to take anything and have been sitting in a freezing exam room for a LONG time.

I hoping for just some simple virus.

Influenza is a virus - Orthomyxoviridae

 

[anniemae]

Hubby tested positive for influenza A. He did not have a fever. It came on gradually, not "hit like a mack truck". He was overwhelmingly tired, off work.

After seven days he was feeling better and BAM he had a seizure, respiratory and cardiac arrest and I had to do CPR on him.

Please take care of yourself, get rest, plenty of fluids and have someone who can watch out for you.

Hubby gets his flu shot every year and has had the pneumonia shot as well.

How is he doing now? Better I hope.

 

[ez]

My son just got over the real flu not sure what subtype. His fever got up to 104.1. On the third day the dr put him on zithromax because he has a history of pneumonia. My son has autism and has been hospitalized twice as a result of not getting antibiotics when he needed them. So even though Im not am antibiotic pusher I'm ok with it in his case when they arent sure. If the dr had said bloodwork or xray to rule it out I would have been ok with that too, but after a few sleepless nights picking up the meds did seem the easier path. After the first dose, my son wen to sleep for a few hours and when he woke up his fever went down from 102.6 to 98 and it never came back up. So not sure if that was just a timing coincidence or if the antibiotics really helped. I am amazed and thankful that I didnt catch it from caring for him. He is doing well know just the lingering sporadic cough.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

My son just got over the real flu not sure what subtype. His fever got up to 104.1. On the third day the dr put him on zithromax because he has a history of pneumonia. My son has autism and has been hospitalized twice as a result of not getting antibiotics when he needed them. So even though Im not am antibiotic pusher I'm ok with it in his case when they arent sure. If the dr had said bloodwork or xray to rule it out I would have been ok with that too, but after a few sleepless nights picking up the meds did seem the easier path. After the first dose, my son wen to sleep for a few hours and when he woke up his fever went down from 102.6 to 98 and it never came back up. So not sure if that was just a timing coincidence or if the antibiotics really helped. I am amazed and thankful that I didnt catch it from caring for him. He is doing well know just the lingering sporadic cough.

Your son probably showed some "respiratory signs", and along with his history, that made the doctor feel antibiotics were warranted. It sounds like your son is in good hands.

 

[Christine]

Well, it's now day 3 (although it seems like an eternity). Between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, I was feeling worse and was having some trouble keeping the temp lower and then it eased up a bit. During this time, I noticed that my sore throat had gone past being mildly uncomfortable to very uncomfortable now. Throat is red and I have a red patch on one tonsil, but I don't see any evidence of swelling or pus. About midnight last night, I thought maybe I had a breakthrough when I *finally* had the fever break and woke up totally soaked. I always think that things are on the mend when that happens. Temperature was down to 98.3 for a bit but this morning is back up to 100. I'm going to see how it does with no medications to relieve it. Hopefully the throat has not turned into something serious like strep but I don't even have swollen glands so likely not. My cough is there but seems less. I guess I wasn't thinking that a sore throat was common with the flu so I'm a bit surprised by that aspect of it. But again, I may have a completely different virus.

 

[Sabeking]

My flu goes straight to pneumonia now, I mean right away. Tamiflu lessens my flu symptoms so I do not get pneumonia.

Blanket statements from doctors about the use of Tamiflu does not ring true for everyone.

My DD went to minute clinic yesterday. They did not test because they felt she had the flu. They gave her Tamiflu for the same reason. She has had been hospitalized for pneumonia before and has walking pneumonia three times. I feel like you in that if it will have the possibility of keeping her from having it again I will do it. Interestingly, I ad up thread that you mentioned the fever not really going down with the flu. That is what we are experiencing. Three days and once the medication wears off in the morning she has a high fever again.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

In this HIPPA era you don't have to answer this, but have you gotten a pneumonia shot? And a flu shot? My employers have given free flu shots at work for the past 11 years, so that was a no brainer. And my Doctor believes in a pneumonia shot for everyone over age 50, so I have had that. They don't prevent the flu and pneumonia, but they lessen the severity. Although I don't think I have had the flu in 20 years.

No, I have not gotten a pnuemonia shot yet. I will look into it since I am 51 now.

When my dh had his heart attack and bypass in 2012, I started getting the flu shot however I missed this past yr.

The kids are out of the house now and not in public school so fingers crossed that I am rid of that part of exposure.

I took Tamiflu prophylactically in 2012 while taking care of flu kids and a dh with a triple bypass and did not get the flu.

 

[cabanafrau]

I know of a family who just this month took Tamiflu with "very luckily" good and quick results when mom's water broke when she was in labor with baby #3 and they got up in the middle of the night to discover the four year old crying about his head and a raging fever. Dad had to take mom in to the hospital for baby delivery and then head back home to take the other kids and himself in for a dose of Tamiflu. Thank goodness it nipped the four year old's flu quickly and dad and other child managed not to catch it.

For me there has never been a question when the body aches from a bout with the flu hit. It's a misery like no other.

 

[indygirl99]

Well, it's now day 3 (although it seems like an eternity). Between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, I was feeling worse and was having some trouble keeping the temp lower and then it eased up a bit. During this time, I noticed that my sore throat had gone past being mildly uncomfortable to very uncomfortable now. Throat is red and I have a red patch on one tonsil, but I don't see any evidence of swelling or pus. About midnight last night, I thought maybe I had a breakthrough when I *finally* had the fever break and woke up totally soaked. I always think that things are on the mend when that happens. Temperature was down to 98.3 for a bit but this morning is back up to 100. I'm going to see how it does with no medications to relieve it. Hopefully the throat has not turned into something serious like strep but I don't even have swollen glands so likely not. My cough is there but seems less. I guess I wasn't thinking that a sore throat was common with the flu so I'm a bit surprised by that aspect of it. But again, I may have a completely different virus.

Your throat could be red and sore from all the coughing.

Keep getting better.

 

[Christine]

I'm somewhere on day 4/5 now. My fever peaked on Sunday and has gradually/slowly reduced. Today I have hovered at around 99.6-100 all day. My throat was pretty sore for a few days but that has subsided for the most part.

The cough has not been a big deal but I have had two "episodes" with it: one on Sunday after a bowl of Panera broccoli/cheese soup and then again today after making myself some creamed chipped beef on toast. Right after eating the heavily creamed stuff I got so full of mucous that I had about 30 minutes of choking spasms. Very strange. Never have issues with creamy stuff prior and yogurt is not bothering me.

I've been showering each day but today I showered and tossed in a load of laundry and then answered work emails sporadically (total of 2 hours). By lunch time I was so exhausted I couldn't hold my eyes open. Napped for an hour and then have proceeded to feel awfully tired ever since. To the point where I feel like I have anxiety and had to take a xanax (which did not help). It could be I didn't eat enough today and maybe low blood sugar.

Maybe I've been reading too many scary flu stories on the internet and I should stop...it's like labor, everyone wants to tell you the worst thing.

So at risk of hearing the worst thing, is this normal for the flu?

 

[indygirl99]

I'm somewhere on day 4/5 now. My fever peaked on Sunday and has gradually/slowly reduced. Today I have hovered at around 99.6-100 all day. My throat was pretty sore for a few days but that has subsided for the most part.

The cough has not been a big deal but I have had two "episodes" with it: one on Sunday after a bowl of Panera broccoli/cheese soup and then again today after making myself some creamed chipped beef on toast. Right after eating the heavily creamed stuff I got so full of mucous that I had about 30 minutes of choking spasms. Very strange. Never have issues with creamy stuff prior and yogurt is not bothering me.

I've been showering each day but today I showered and tossed in a load of laundry and then answered work emails sporadically (total of 2 hours). By lunch time I was so exhausted I couldn't hold my eyes open. Napped for an hour and then have proceeded to feel awfully tired ever since. To the point where I feel like I have anxiety and had to take a xanax (which did not help). It could be I didn't eat enough today and maybe low blood sugar.

Maybe I've been reading too many scary flu stories on the internet and I should stop...it's like labor, everyone wants to tell you the worst thing.

So at risk of hearing the worst thing, is this normal for the flu?

Looks like the typical course. Glad you are feeling better and prayers sent your way for continued heeling.

 

[Sabeking]

Day four for my DD with a fever. Now my other DD has a fever tonight and a cough. My husband came home tonight and said he thinks he has an ear infection. Lord help me!

 

[indygirl99]

Day four for my DD with a fever. Now my other DD has a fever tonight and a cough. My husband came home tonight and said he thinks he has an ear infection. Lord help me!

2 kids AND hubby. There is only one solution. Immediately pack you bags, get out of the house, save your sanity and take a quick trip to Disney.

 

[anniemae]

Feel better everyone.

Christine-sounds like it is running its course to me, but I am not a medical professional! You started feeling better, did some stuff and got worn out. You need rest, your body needs rest. Just try to sleep. If it would make you feel better, give your doctor a call to see what they say. They are probably seeing and talking to so many sick people they may be able to tell you if it is a particular virus hitting your area, and if they need to see you or not. Feel better!

 

[Monykalyn]

OP hope you feel better soon-from our experience with the flu it does hit suddenly and high fever. However there are some other strains running around that are like a "lesser" version (somewhat more gradual onset, somewhat off/on high fever etc) but no less miserable in symptoms. If you continue to have new symptoms might be worth a strep culture.

There is a strain of strep that lingers-like months lingers-and is NOT typical symptoms. Seem to get better, not real high fever or even sore throat, but feel sick. then feel better and start cycle of mid grade fever and feeling ucky, maybe mild (at worst) sore throat. One coworker finally got swabbed (after this had been going on weeks and keep getting told it was a "virus) and came back positive for a strep strain.

Some of these viral strains have been knocking supposedly healthy younger adults into ICU for days too. The common one this year is a coronavirus.

 

[katie01]

Christine it sounds to me too like a typical flu, just watch out for those secondary infections, if your throat starts getting more and more sore you could have developed strep. The first doctor I saw in Urgent Care said the fever with influenza can last 5-7 days, so if yours doesn't go away by then (mine didn't, I developed bronchitis) it would be good to be checked out at that point, or if you feel like you are taking a turn for the worse at any point. I am on day....13 I think? I've been on an antibiotic for almost five days, my fever disappeared once I got going on that, but it am still very weak and am having to work my way up to my normal activity level. So as others said, get lots of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and get well soon!

 

[Christine]

Thanks everyone for your stories. I am feeling so cooped up and isolated that it really helps to share the misery!

Not sure how I feel yet today. My temperature is still not normal, but I wouldn't call it a true fever at this point. I just spend all day hovering at about 99.7 it seems. Sometimes in the middle of the night when I'm awake, I check, and I do hit the 98 range at least. I know that seems normal but, historically, I would say that my middle-of-the-night temperature is more like 97.0.

My fear at this point is purely in my head and I am worried about it morphing to something else. My congestion worsened yesterday after the "creamed chip beef" incident so I'm kicking myself for that. No more cream sauces for me. I never really came out of my fatigue/funk yesterday. I did figure out that I did not eat enough/eat well yesterday for some reason so I need to do better today. My father is going to the grocery store for me today since my immediate family members aren't doing so well in that area (another story).

I won't be returning to work this week, but will try to just check emails. My bigger concern is will the fatigue lift for next week?

 

[Monykalyn]

most viruses run their course in about 7-10 days and fatigue should be better then too - although pre illness energy levels may take longer to recover (it is surprising how fast muscle atrophies when not doing usual activities!!). Make sure you stay hydrated-water, tea etc-will help with fever and energy. Hope you are feeling better soon!!!

 

[Christine]

I am on Day 6 of this thing. My fever, while occasionally touching normal, likes to hover around 100. No energy. While my cough is not frequent, when it happens it's fierce and I have a tough time expelling what seems to be stuck in my chest.

After my temp going up again last night, I resolved that I would go to my primary care doctor who, for various reasons, I have not seen since 2012.

I got in today. Fortunately my lungs are VERY clear but he was a little concerned about the fever hanging on and the worsening cough. He gave me the option to start or not start antibiotics (since I am so sensitive to them). Not sure what I will do. The Z-Pak provided by the urgent care will KILL my stomach (I've used it twice before with the same results). He gave me a script for amoxicillan. I don't recall having any issues with that one but it's probably be 20 years since I have taken it. I just really don't get sick that much. Of course, this will lead me into probably a 1month struggle with a female issue so I'm a little torn what to do but I will probably take the antibiotic. Uuugh. I envy you people who can pop drugs like candy!

 

[mom2rtk]

I am on Day 6 of this thing. My fever, while occasionally touching normal, likes to hover around 100. No energy. While my cough is not frequent, when it happens it's fierce and I have a tough time expelling what seems to be stuck in my chest.

After my temp going up again last night, I resolved that I would go to my primary care doctor who, for various reasons, I have not seen since 2012.

I got in today. Fortunately my lungs are VERY clear but he was a little concerned about the fever hanging on and the worsening cough. He gave me the option to start or not start antibiotics (since I am so sensitive to them). Not sure what I will do. The Z-Pak provided by the urgent care will KILL my stomach (I've used it twice before with the same results). He gave me a script for amoxicillan. I don't recall having any issues with that one but it's probably be 20 years since I have taken it. I just really don't get sick that much. Of course, this will lead me into probably a 1month struggle with a female issue so I'm a little torn what to do but I will probably take the antibiotic. Uuugh. I envy you people who can pop drugs like candy!

What did he think about the possibility of strep? What kind of infection did he think you might have?

I don't blame you on the z pack. I'm pretty tolerant of most meds, but that one did a number on my intestines.

Amoxicillin is still pretty effective against strep, but not so much against other types of infections (sinus, ear, etc).