Exhaustion

Coughdrop, I too have had a horrible bronchitis-type virus for the last two weeks. I am at last beginning to find some mental energy and have almost stopped coughing, but I am still tired. Normally I am quite busy and active, but the smallest thing tires me out now. What comforts me is that every day there is some slight improvement, so I am confident now that if I stay patient I will soon be well again. Today I had a nap after lunch and felt almost normal after that but I am still taking things easy. I have never watched so much TV in the daytime in my life - soon be time for Pointless again! Just hang in there, but if you really don't feel any better day by day perhaps you should see or speak with a doctor.

Three years ago my DH and I had a bug like you describe. In fact I remember him saying this feels like dying. We were both exhausted, everything was an effort. I had night sweats as well plus a urine infection. I think I was on the point of going to hospital. We didn't eat much and both lost weight. I can truly say it took us about 3 months to get over it. I do remember when I was young an older doctor told me that vitamin B levels are depleted after flu. So that might be worth looking into. Really hope you are better soon.

Yes, Coughdrop, me.

This is the 3rd week and can't describe how ill I've been. I thought I was breathing my last, honestly.
Today is the first time I " feel sort of okay " until I start to move around.

I nipped out before and returned as though I'd been on a ten mile hike, thoroughly exhausted and weak again so I've sat for an hour and put some fish and chips in the oven just now in the hope that I'll be able to eat them as my appetite hasn't been good.

My legs too are like jelly and I feel as though I'm walking on sponges, it's weird. It's the worst I've felt in my 80th year and seriously thinking about refusing the jab as it did nothing whatsoever. Never in my life had a cough like it either as I don't suffer with my chest or breathing.

I can put it down to having been admitted to hospital with A/fib a week before Christmas and close by were two women coughing and spluttering before a nurse decided there was an infection around as she donned mask apron and gloves. I nearly had a fit then and realised I was definitely in the wrong place.

I had this type of flu bug in January the last couple of years, despite the flu jab. Weary, couldn’t sleep at night, hot, sweaty, thirsty, cough.
Just needed time to get over it, but made me feel really poorly. Hope I escape this year.

A few years ago, before I started having flu jabs, I caught flu from a family member who took ill on Xmas day. I was very ill and totally washed out for six weeks. It was very difficult because I was self employed and had deadlines and commitments to my clients. I kept dragging myself out of bed to do some work then would collapse in a heap after an hour or so.

Since then I've always had flu jabs but I know they cannot guarantee that you won't get the flu as there are many different stains of flu virus and those who produce the jabs have to second guess which ones are likely to be prevalent each year.

It sounds to me that you and your OH are suffering from a type of flu that was not included in this year's jab. I hope you both get well soon.

I have had pleurisy since Xmas Eve with masses of coughing and feeling generally done in. The doctor says I have to be patient as these illnesses take their time to depart. Today is my first proper day out and I am in recovery mode after walking around the shops. Rest and warmth are the remedies.

Coughdrop all I can tell you is that my strong, fit husband took to his bed for a week just before Christmas having been floored by this bug. I don't remember a previous time that he was that ill from a bug that caused coughing etc. And it took him ages to fully recover despite the week in bed.

Had it over Christmas, not quite as bad as you.*Coughdrop*, but definitely the same bug, with all the feelings of exhaustion and jelly legs.

I am finally over it, but it lasted nearly three weeks.

I agree with taking your time. My DH had it on Boxing Day. He thought he could battle on and stupidly pushed himself over New Year only to go downhill again. He has just about recovered now.

Do give yourselves time. A little daily walk, perhaps adding a bit more each day and a nap when you need it - don't try to fight the exhaustion. You will feel better when you're ready.

It may be your body telling you you still need to rest to give self chance to recover properly

I’d just make sure I had plenty of fluids and rest. Eating little and often,

Some of these viruses are vicious and can hang around for ages, weeks sometimes. Don’t worry if you don’t feel like eating much, but make sure you drink. Hope you feel better soon.