Do I Have the Flu?

For those of you lucky enough to have never had the flu before, count your blessings! Until very recently, I used to be able to say the same thing but now that I can check this illness off the list, let me tell you what I experienced and what to look for if you suspect you may have the flu.

Rapid Onset

Unlike a cold which comes on gradually, the flu hits you out of nowhere. For example, I felt slightly achey in the morning (which I thought was from working out) and by the afternoon, I was so tired and much more achey. The next day I could hardly get out of bed due to muscle aches, had a cough, and had a fever. 

Muscle Aches and Pain

As I mentioned above, muscle aches and pains are very common with the flu and not so much with a common cold. While I don't know what getting hit by a bus feels like, I would imagine this is the feeling that gave that phrase life. You literally feel like a giant bruise. 

Fatigue

I also don't know what pregnancy fatigue feels like, but this is how I would imagine it. I'm tired y'all. Like I just woke up and want need to go back to sleep. I walked up the 3 flights to my apartment last night and needed to sit down for an hour. It's sheer exhaustion. Make sure you get plenty of rest!

Fever

Fevers are not guaranteed with the flu, but it is possible. For me, I had low-grade fevers for a day and a half before I ever hit 101.8 F and while I suspected I had the flu, I wasn't actually diagnosed until this point because I finally took myself to urgent care. Fevers can often be managed by over the counter medications, like acetaminophen, but providers usually prescribe tamiflu when officially diagnosed and recommend medications like DayQuil which have anti-pyretics (fever reducers) in them. 

Nasal Congestion

Similar to a cold, it is difficult to breathe easily through your nose. You may experience periods of easy breathing mixed with stuffiness that just won't clear. Ensuring that your nasal passages stay moist is the best way to manage this issue. Using saline nasal spray is the best thing for managing this issue, along with decongestants. 

Cough

A dry, persistent cough is fairly common with the flu. This was the first symptom I noticed (aside from slightly sore muscles that I thought were from working out) that was a dead giveaway that I had the flu. Coughs serve a purpose in getting better, so while I don't recommend any cough suppressants, definitely take some cough drops will help ease this symptom.

Sore Throat

This may come from coughing so much, or maybe that's just my case, but my throat has been more sore on days 3 and 4 than days 1 and 2. It feels raw from all of the coughing, but the best way to combat this sore throat is to drink plenty of fluids, tea with honey (to coat the throat!), and gargling with salt water.

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The flu can often be dealt with at home by managing your symptoms, however you should consult your doctor and do what is most comfortable FOR YOU/YOUR FAMILY MEMBER if someone is sick. While I am a nurse, I will not pretend to offer this post as official steps to care for yourself or a loved one in place of your provider's professional opinion should you suspect someone has the flu. This is merely what I experienced and how I've managed with my first ever personal case of the flu and even I went to the doctor.

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Shameless plug:

Flu season is much longer than many suspect - it typically lasts from October to March (sometimes even April) and each year, different strains are more prevalent than others. While being vaccinated does not guarantee you will not get the flu, the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself, your children and grandparents, and those who are immunocompromised and cannot receive vaccines - like my patient population - is to get the flu shot!

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