busymama7 Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 I have been sick since Thursday night. Horrible horrible cough. Extremely painful cough. All over body ache but not severe. Worst part is the severe fatigue. I can't stand up for more than a minute or two and then I have to lie down. I have not had a fever at any point but it did start with a dry not quite painful throat. I really expected to have my energy back today but I don't. Not at all. In fact the cough is probably a bit worse as in more painful and the phlegm is thicker(sorry TMI). The cough was better Saturday and Sunday but is worse this AM. Breathing is uncomfortable and shallow. Hard to get a deep breath. Does this sound like flu? I'm mostly curious. I'm treating this with rest and fluids etc and don't see a need to go the dr at this point. Just wish I knew when it would be over. I've been in bed for 3 full days, this is the fourth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsquirrel Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 It sounds like a respiratory virus and like you should see a doctor. No fever means prob no infection but you should see someone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 No it doesn't really sound like the flu. Could be something like bronchitis (there are viral and bacterial types). The flu is typically something that knocks you on your @$$. Where you are so sick you can't get out of bed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaKinVA Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 The stomach virus (not food poisoning) that went around here didn't have any noticeable fever -- but did have achey/fatigue with it. I had a HORRIBLE cough with aches/fatigue last winter. I was certain I had *something* (and I have had pneumonia without fevers, too), Most days I didn't feel like I had a fever -- even the day I went to the doctor (finally) after 3 weeks, I didn't think I had a fever -- but I did. Just a very small one. I coughed up a lung for nearly 2 months. I was so sore and tired...and thankful when the virus had finally run its course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 Walking pneumonia? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie in VA Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 When I nearly killed my dd by dismissing the possibility of appendicitis b/c she had no fever, I stopped making a fever a sticking point for any ailment. I hope you can be seen by a doc and soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbgrace Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 It doesn't sound like actual flu, but it does sound miserable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 It sounds like bronchitis to me. I'd be seen in case it's pneumonia. Any time it's difficult to get a deep breath you need to be seen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 No it doesn't really sound like the flu. Could be something like bronchitis (there are viral and bacterial types). The flu is typically something that knocks you on your @$$. Where you are so sick you can't get out of bed. I keep seeing this and similar sentiments, but my kids and I have all had confirmed flu that wasn't really that bad. My kids have definitely been sicker with non-flu viruses. Perhaps your experience is more typical, but I don't want anyone to assume that they don't have flu if they can get out of bed. On the other hand, unless you can take Tamiflu, it probably doesn't matter whether you have influenza or something that just feels like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 I keep seeing this and similar sentiments, but my kids and I have all had confirmed flu that wasn't really that bad. My kids have definitely been sicker with non-flu viruses. Perhaps your experience is more typical, but I don't want anyone to assume that they don't have flu if they can get out of bed. On the other hand, unless you can take Tamiflu, it probably doesn't matter whether you have influenza or something that just feels like it. I'm sure it depends on the strain and the individual. I just remember my mother once had the flu and it was so awful I never forgot it and I was very young. I don't remember much from that time, but I remember that. I don't think I've ever had the flu. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Girls' Mom Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 I'm seconding Walking Pneumonia. My dd walked around with pneumonia, mostly feeling like crap and not being able to breathe very well. She never ran a fever. She had a cold for a week or so. She wasn't feeling absolutely horrid, so we went hiking...she never made it to the end. She started having chest and back pain and shortness of breath...a trip to the doc confirmed pneumonia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busymama7 Posted December 1, 2014 Author Share Posted December 1, 2014 I have had walking pneumonia once but can't remember exactly what it was like. I was holding out for the fact that I didn't have a fever being a good sign. As far as bronchitis I thought most cases were viral. I despise nothing more than going to the dr and being told it's just a virus and go home and rest :/ I hold off going as long as possible because of this and we generally just fight off the virus just fine. I am going to try to move around a bit more today and see if I get better or worse. I have a 3 month old and I'm really hoping she doesn't get this :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busymama7 Posted December 1, 2014 Author Share Posted December 1, 2014 The other reason I'm waiting is that I'm not the only one in the family to have had it and all others including the 2 yo and my husband have recovered fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsquirrel Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 I have had walking pneumonia once but can't remember exactly what it was like. I was holding out for the fact that I didn't have a fever being a good sign. As far as bronchitis I thought most cases were viral. I despise nothing more than going to the dr and being told it's just a virus and go home and rest :/ I hold off going as long as possible because of this and we generally just fight off the virus just fine. I am going to try to move around a bit more today and see if I get better or worse. I have a 3 month old and I'm really hoping she doesn't get this :( I hate that as well. I get it. I really do. The last time I had bronchitis that got me to a doctor is when I had a very high fever. I do tend to run a high fever but when it hits 106 I go see the doctor. He told me that most bronchitis is viral, but it is sometimes bacterial. He gave me a script but told me not to fill it for a few days. He said if I got worse then it was bacterial and time for an antibiotic. Or, it was bacterial and I got rid of it myself, lol. He was very specific about what 'getting worse' meant and all I remember is that it didn't happen. I started to get better in about 2 days after seeing him. When my sister had pneumonia (viral) the thing that got her to the doctor was that on about day 4 she took a turn for the worse. She had what seemed to be a fairly standard respiratory virus but then on day 4 she started to vomit and feel much worse, instead of better. She got to the doctor who have her some pretty strong anti-viral meds. I actually talked to the doctor and she told me my sister had been the 5 case she had seen that day, it was going around like mad. She also told me very specifically what to look for in case we needed to bring her to the hospital. It didn't happen and she got better but it took a while. Have you tried sitting in the bathroom while a hot shower runs? does that make it easier to breath? Or taking a hot shower and staying in there a good long time? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 it sounds like something else, and I would probably get checked out. I had pneumonia (diagnosed via x-ray) - and never hit 101. one thing, when I had pneumonia - I had to be upright at all times. If I was even slightly reclined, I felt like I was drowning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artichoke Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 I have been sick since Thursday night. Horrible horrible cough. Extremely painful cough. All over body ache but not severe. Worst part is the severe fatigue. I can't stand up for more than a minute or two and then I have to lie down. I have not had a fever at any point but it did start with a dry not quite painful throat. I really expected to have my energy back today but I don't. Not at all. In fact the cough is probably a bit worse as in more painful and the phlegm is thicker(sorry TMI). The cough was better Saturday and Sunday but is worse this AM. Breathing is uncomfortable and shallow. Hard to get a deep breath. Does this sound like flu? I'm mostly curious. I'm treating this with rest and fluids etc and don't see a need to go the dr at this point. Just wish I knew when it would be over. I've been in bed for 3 full days, this is the fourth.This reminds me painfully of the H1N1 flu that I had. One of the reasons I resisted going to the doctor was a lack of fever. I finally went because of my difficulty in breathing. Whatever you may have, it sounds like a trip to the doctor is warranted. Best wishes as you recuperate. eta: Mucinex can help thin the phlegm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busymama7 Posted December 1, 2014 Author Share Posted December 1, 2014 it sounds like something else, and I would probably get checked out. I had pneumonia (diagnosed via x-ray) - and never hit 101. one thing, when I had pneumonia - I had to be upright at all times. If I was even slightly reclined, I felt like I was drowning. That's good to know. I'm sleeping fine and spending most of my time laying flat in bed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busymama7 Posted December 1, 2014 Author Share Posted December 1, 2014 This reminds me painfully of the H1N1 flu that I had. One of the reasons I resisted going to the doctor was a lack of fever. I finally went because of my difficulty in breathing. Whatever you may have, it sounds like a trip to the doctor is warranted. Best wishes as you recuperate. eta: Mucinex can help thin the phlegm. I am breastfeeding and have a shaky supply so I'm trying to avoid all meds. My husband thinks the reason it didn't go into his chest was the liberal use of decongestants but I didn't dare. Not sure about mucinex but Ive used it before and will look it up. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maize Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 Enterovirus 68 can cause coughing and difficulty breathing, most often with no fever. Bronchitis or pneumonia are possibilities, I would definitely get to a doctor. Best wishes for a quick recovery! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busymama7 Posted December 2, 2014 Author Share Posted December 2, 2014 Bronchitis but not looking like there are many options for meds to help as I am allergic to codeine and also breastfeeding. Waiting for dr to come back in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maize Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 Bronchitis but not looking like there are many options for meds to help as I am allergic to codeine and also breastfeeding. Waiting for dr to come back in. I'm glad you went in, I hope the dr. is able to figure out a good treatment course for you; many medications are OK to take when breastfeeding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busymama7 Posted December 2, 2014 Author Share Posted December 2, 2014 Got a nasal spray and a couch syrup that were safe. Took ibuprofen also and am in bed. Still feel like crud. Ah well. Such is life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 N-acetyl cysteine is a great OTC for bronchitis. It is available as "NAC" from GNC and similar stores. I have a distance swimmer who needs her lungs more than most (if that is possible), and this is has been a huge help to getting her back into fightin' shape. I don't know about BF'ing, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 Did someone suggest bronchitis? I've only had it once, and I don't remember a fever, but I just was not getting better. I even lost my voice. I was on the couch for days. Sometimes I'd rally, think I was improving, do stuff, them crash again the next day. I finally hauled in to the doctor and got fixed up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busymama7 Posted December 2, 2014 Author Share Posted December 2, 2014 Did someone suggest bronchitis? I've only had it once, and I don't remember a fever, but I just was not getting better. I even lost my voice. I was on the couch for days. Sometimes I'd rally, think I was improving, do stuff, them crash again the next day. I finally hauled in to the doctor and got fixed up. Yes see up thread. I do have bronchitis but no antibiotics. He said it was viral. I'm feeling a bit stronger today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 My kids once had confirmed cases of the flu and I was sick at the same time as them, but never ran a fever and was really only mildly ill. They were terribly sick. The doctor told me that it was likely I had been exposed to that flu strain before, thus it only made me mildly sick. Not totally sure if that's true, but it seemed to make sense. Ah, looking above, I see you solved it. I hope you feel better soon and figure out a good treatment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmrich Posted December 3, 2014 Share Posted December 3, 2014 Just FYI for others, my nephew had the flu without a fever. It is unusual but the dr. said he has seen more of that this year than with other strands. I am glad you are feeling a little better; I had a nasty cold last week. It turned into a sinus infection so take care of yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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