No idea what’s up - feeling sorry for myself - is this declining health in old age

I don't know how old you are Fecklar but I'd advise you to ask the GP to do some blood tests. You could be low in iron or Vitamin D if you can't shake off infections.

It could be a post-viral syndrome.

You may have had Covid earlier in the year and many people are suffering from Long Covid with symptoms such as you describe and your GP should recognise this if so.

Hi Calistemon I had the two main blood tests for immunity immunoglobulin and electrophoresis and both came back normal. I’m 67 years old. All blood tests normal that goes for a it D and B12 and iron levels normal in fact everything is normal that’s what is so frustrating to me and my GP. I sometimes wonder about that last March as it was the exact same virus. GP said come on in and we’ll have a chat at some point.

Fecklar, I did have sinusitis once, as a teenager, that went on for about six months. I must have been run down and unable to fight it off. I didn't eat sensibly in those days and was always on the go.

Eventually, I took the advice to rest more and drink more fluids. I took lots of Vitamin C, too and it gradually went. Now I take the slow release 1500mg Vit C, along with D and B in the winter - just in case.

If you've been on antibiotics, I'd suggest regular kefir (if you have dairy) to build up your immune system.

My daughter use to suffer with cold after cold a couple of years ago. We blamed it on the air con where she worked. Gp arranged blood test and she was low on Vit D so was given a prescription for a high dosage. Touch wood she hasn't been so bad. Now she is working from home is even better. So Vit D is defo the one to take for your immune system. I was low as well about three years ago and had a high dose from GP and she told me to just take an over the counter one daily. My DH and i take one daily now especially as it is supposed to be a factor in Covid.

Trouble is that ‘normal range’ is an average, it might mean that it’s not normal for you.

When DH was at work he was always wheezing and under the weather, I believe it was sick building syndrome. When you have large open office spaces with air conditioning the conditions are ideal for spread of viruses.
DH also thought that long journeys in the car were affecting his airway as particles were drawn in through the vents.
Within a week of ceasing work DH was a different man, no wheezing at all.

Fecklar, I once went to the GP (unusual for me) as I was so tired and weak after a cold. She insisted that I have a week off work and afternoon lie downs. Maybe you need a week to yourself, with no work or childcare duties?

(PS, my blood tests have always been in the 'normal' range for vitamins, but I'm sure the levels are set low (just rule out deficiency) rather than optimum - and some supplements for a while might still be of benefit).

Fecklar, you’ll often read that the way to kill a viral infection is with rest and plenty of fluids, and antibiotics don’t do anything to fight a virus. Working and caring for a child won’t really allow much time for rest, so maybe you could try that!
Any viral infection can leave you exhausted and lower your natural immunity, so I’d prescribe an intensive course of TLC.
Hope you feel better soon.

* Hetty58*, crossed posts, but same prescription!

Good advice.

DH used to think the way to get better after an illness was to 'work it off' but, after a bout of food poisoning which left him ill weeks later, the GP ordered rest. It worked.

I think you are what used to be called 'run down'. Do all the things folk have said - vitamins, Good Food - and enough liquid. AND cut out ANY avoidable work. Give it a month - be selfish - you need to. You are asking more of yourself than you have to give just now.

Yes, I had something like that about 3 years ago, following an unpleasant viral illness.
I just looked after myself, good simple food, extra vitamins, out in the fresh air when I could, little treats. Not too much caffeine or alcohol and slowly improved (some back-sliding of course!)
Take-away or ready meal after doing childcare, and working out hen I needed to push myself and when I needed to rest.
And I did something I have done all my life - and know many of you do - I took pleasure in small things / counted my blessings.
Good luck

Thank you for all your ideas and suggestions I will take note of them all. Yes I’m working in an airless office with no windows but I did have the air con cut off as it had been put in wrong. Also interesting is the car air con which dries out my nose. I saw the doc yesterday face to face and he said the first lot of antibiotics did work because I felt better but then when they finished the same virus came back. So I’ve been given doxycycline for 7 days to see how I go with that but definitely need to either work from home or take some time off to fully recover.

Can you ditch work and childcare for a while, just concentrate on rest, good food and vitamins C and D? I’m certain that exhaustion often plays a part.

I don’t do regular childcare any more but quite a few one-offs (or did, before COVID) and about 3 years ago I did more or less a whole emergency week of it for an under 2, since the baby was in ICU with a severe case of bronchiolitis, and obviously dd needed to be with him most of the time.

At the end of it I came home feeling absolutely knackered, promptly picked up a really stinking cold, which was swiftly followed by shingles!
Which is why I’m sure exhaustion leaves you vulnerable to all sorts - and touch wood, I’m usually a pretty robust and healthy type.

I can't add anything to all the good suggestions above but I am sending you some and my good wishes for a speedy recovery x

I agree

Sorry hit the post button. I agree you need to be a bit precious for a bit. Ionic silver can help post virals.
Also read up on long Covid

I support those who suggest PVS. I am susceptible to this. The worst I had lasted 9 months.

What you describe has nothing whatsoever to do with your age, whether you are 40, 60, 80 or 100.

Fecklar, is there any chance of you retiring? Before I retired I had a lot of health issues with a full time busy stressful job when over 60. As soon as I retired nearly all my issues went away.

You shouldn't be working in an airless office at any time but especially now. Ventilation is crucial. Offices and schools in Germany have their windows are wide open. Children and staff are having to keep their coats on indoors but it's far better for their health. Is there any chance of you WFH? or even better having some time off to rest? Hope you feel better soon

Fecklar, someone with similar symptoms to yourself was interviewed on Radio 4 PM programme yesterday. He had already been tested positive for Covid earlier in the year so thought it could not be that again. However as the symptoms persisted he went for another test & the result came back positive. Suggest you get tested ASAP.

You need to go back to GP. Given the length of time you have been unwell and amount of antibiotics you have had imagine GP will have carried out tests already. Go back. You shoujd be feeling so unwell for so long without further investigation.

Sorry Shouldn't, not should be feeling etc