Unwell for 3 weeks

[Angelabur]

Hi All

Haven't posted for a long while but read all the messages daily and find them very helpful.

I have been unwell for nearly 3 weeks guess it's probably the flu virus although had the jab back in October been to see Dr twice two telephone consultations had chest xray blood tests all ok but still feeling dreadful was told to double steriod dose for 3 days am currently on 8mg diagnosed October 2017.

Just wondering if anyone else is struggling with this virus would appreciate any help or advice.

Many thanks

[SnazzyD]

There are many people having a grim time with a viral infection that is leaving them feeling debilitated for weeks. It is tricky though when you’ve got a condition that can leave you feeling the same. There are plenty of viruses that can be pretty severe without being influenza or it could have been a strain not in the vaccine.

[Marijo1951]

Bad luck. I've recently got over a viral infection including a nasty cough. I had the flu jab back in October. My rule of thumb for deciding whether a virus is a cold or flu is that if you can eat, it's a cold (even if you feel terrible at first) but if you can't bear the sight of food, then it's flu. I've always assumed this is where the old saying 'Feed a cold and starve a fever' comes from. As my appetite was unaffected this time, I decided it wasn't flu.

[Hidden]

I know of several healthy people who are struggling with recent viruses in the last few months. I remember the rheumy saying pmr/pred can make you susceptible to post viral issues. I suspect like many of us you are not truly allowing yourself to rest effectively. By that I mean rest without thinking "I should be doing x or y ". Just plain mindless rest with plenty of fluids. It's hard but worth it if you just have a totally blank mind and don't stress it. Watch a box set of your favorite (comedy) show and allow yourself to drift. Feeling dreadful is very hard on your mind and body. I hope you feel better soon.

[Carriemetz]

Yep - just had virus 3 weeks despite flu jab. A corker! Snotty head cold, tickly cough esp at night, but worst was fatigue. Wiped out after any activity. Just passing now, leaving me able to concentrate on painful hip and groin (just starting gabapentin which is taking the edge off the sciatic nerve pain.) Trying to do exercises too to strengthen lower back muscles! Excelsior - we will overcome! 😉