Winter bug on top of your illness? - Myalgic Encephalo...

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Winter bug on top of your illness?

msBrightside profile image
12 Replies

Hey guys :) just a querie I wondered How everyone else manages when they contract common illnesses?

I am really bad with a winter bug just now I feel very weak. I have got better at points I do find I have the cold or bug for a more prolonged period than others and it won't shift. How does everyone else manage with flus etc?

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msBrightside profile image
msBrightside
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12 Replies
Ian123 profile image
Ian123

With a damaged immune system as a general rule we have less resistance and use a greater proportion of the available resources in fighting infection. Scrupulous hygiene such as carrying sterile hand wipes as measures against infection but if that fails using all available energy fighting the illness. Trying to keep the normal routine while ill is counter-productive, the old adage when in a hole stop digging holds true here.

Keep drinking plenty of water and allow more time for reducing the viral load on the system as many with ME will be fighting multiple viruses not quite getting clear of one before the next shows symptoms, making judgements based on how others are recovering is not helpful we are individuals coping with our own illness plus anything extra.

msBrightside profile image
msBrightside in reply to Ian123

I have felt my immune system weak for many years. I alway get ill on Christmas Day for some reason usually just flu but this is both flu and upset stomach and delirious fever I don't think going to the docs would help probably best letting it pass on its own do feel slightly better just nauseous.

Ian123 profile image
Ian123 in reply to msBrightside

Crashing into Christmas after overdoing life then having nothing left for fighting infections.

Hope your recovery continues and some energy returns in your own time.

msBrightside profile image
msBrightside in reply to Ian123

Yeah I have had a lot of rest but did have 3 days of activities on the lead up to Xmas day and havent been sleeping well because i keep forgetting to take my pill. Did manage to go out to chapel tonight though I feel nauseous and sleepy even after an anti sickness tablet.

Ian123 profile image
Ian123 in reply to msBrightside

Sleep was the first symptom I wanted help with when diagnosed, on the pick one thing from the list because the drugs would start separately in case of side effects. Refreshing sleep that felt better after waking was my priority and is still the thing that I use as the foundation for managing other symptoms.

msBrightside profile image
msBrightside in reply to Ian123

I do love my sleep especially at the moment while I can sleep as long as I want on the holidays. I have been catching up on sleep not ideal to be awake half the night even when I'm tired. I'm gonna try and get up earlier tomorrow and get my sleep pattern back to normal for returning to college.

Ian123 profile image
Ian123 in reply to msBrightside

Trying for a regular sleep pattern with an emphasis on quality of sleep rather than quantity. Over tired and the body is running on adrenalin until it crashes into an almost comatose state after two or three days, breaking that boom and bust sleep cycle is a constant search for balance between having a life and taking care of precious energy resources in the body.

msBrightside profile image
msBrightside in reply to Ian123

Sorry i took a while to reply I'm still feeling down with this bug just want to sleep all the time. Got such a horrible headache that's making me feel concussed. Feel a bit better after eating for the first time today.

I have had great refreshing sleep over the holidays when I finally get to sleep. Tried to regulate my sleep pattern this morning woke at 8am feeling fine somehow fell back to sleep tho and woke up exhausted.

bluejeans16 profile image
bluejeans16

I have been off work since christmas eve with flu. I have come out of it now but the last couple of days my ME symptoms have been really bad (felt like been run over by ten ton lorry)! Is this normal when you have had a bug of any kind, this the first time I have been ill since I have had ME.

msBrightside profile image
msBrightside in reply to bluejeans16

For me it's pretty normal in the past its has taken months to get over flu, tonsillitis and a chest infection took over 8weeks, feel I get anything that's going around. It always impacts my M.E. Though I'm over the bug I still feel I'm more sore and still trying to regain energy.

Think it just takes longer for us, I wondered if it was only me with this post. A lot of symptoms can be worrying. Right now it's the confusion and lack of concentration that's worrying me. Just this morning I missed my stop on the bus and tho I was in a familiar area I felt totally lost. Ah well.

Hope you feel better soon maybe visit the docs if it continues they might give you antibiotics or you could buy cold and flu capsules depending on what medication you are on. I always feel I need extra help to get over flu etc. Though I've not got flu since being on regular narcotics to help with pain.

bluejeans16 profile image
bluejeans16

Hi msBrightside. I had the flu bug over christmas, when I thought it was over I started to suffer really badly with palpitations exhaustion etc. A week later I still feel like I have been run over by a lorry. I wasn't sure how I would feel as this is the first time I have had a bug since I got ME

msBrightside profile image
msBrightside in reply to bluejeans16

Hi, yeah I've had the same symptoms for the last few weeks I have experienced chest pains as well as palpitations it comes and goes though. I'm very forgetful and have forgot to order my medication about 4 times I am going to have to request for it to be sent to my door or nearest pharmacy because the back pain has been excruciating.

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