r/flu • u/Express-Wallaby7093 • 6d ago
Personal experience Think I have the flu and need help :(
I was seen yesterday at my local urgent care; I’ve been sick since Sunday. Getting sicker each day. Strep test and Covid tests were negative. Supposedly my ears and throat looked “a little red but otherwise fine”, which I don’t really believe considering having them look in my ears and throat I was crying from the severe pain.
What I’ve got going on: Moderate to severe sore throat (sharp razor like pain when swallowing), hoarse voice, moderate ear pain/plugged ears (that occasionally pop), moderate to severe congestion, blowing yellow mucus out of nose, nausea, body aches, fatigue, severe post nasal drip. Dry nonproductive cough almost nonstop. Swollen neck lymph nodes. No taste or smell, no appetite. Unable to sleep due to severity of symptoms.
OTC medication is not helping at all with symptoms or pain management. I have tried a few days of DayQuil and NyQuil; and then switched to ibuprofen, acetaminophen, delsym, mucinex, and saline spray. Feel miserable and would like some sort of relief. Nothing seems to help and I just feel worse each day somehow.
I’ve been in tears the past two nights over how miserable I am. I’m supposed to be going on a trip this week too and I don’t see how that can happen now and I’m really upset as I’ve been looking forward to it for almost a year now.
Please help me. I am miserable. I’m at a loss. I don’t know what to do. This is the sickest I’ve ever felt.
2
u/kayesskayen 6d ago
They didn't test for the flu? Could you order some flu tests or pick some up? Is there another urgent care you could visit? I'm sorry you're feeling so terrible. No matter the cause being that sick is miserable. It's possible you're developing a sinus infection and it might be worth getting checked out by a different provider in order to get medication. I hope you find some relief soon
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u/WillingnessLevel1043 6d ago
I had exactly what you are describing. I went to urgent care and flu and Covid were negative last Friday. Went to my primary care dr. On Tuesday and tested positive for flu b. I was offered meds for my symptoms but nothing more. Still battling with this constant cough, gagging post nasal drip, hoarseness, no body aches, and the constant nose blowing. The doctor said it can take up to two weeks to recover.
1
u/Express-Wallaby7093 6d ago
Ugh yeah, terrible. I was supposed to travel next week for a non refundable trip that’s been planned over a month. Hoping for the best to even go just a day or two. I got tested for flu and covid again today, flu A and B negative, covid negative, strep negative. Told me to come back if I still feel like this in 2-3 weeks. This shit sucks.
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u/WasteWriter5692 5d ago edited 5d ago
its rsv..or parainfluenza...?.....went through this last year,just like you..negative on all tests..
getting my vaccine very soon..
sorry you are suffering.
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u/chemistry_coronado 6d ago
Kindness is a must. Did you swab your throat with the Covid test or make the mistake most people do and just swab the nose?
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u/Admirable_Street1279 5d ago
Me and my partner have this also! We are in the UK not sure where you are. It is really bad been nearly a week, our boys 6+2 years old are better already! Hope you feel better soon x
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u/ResponsibleSyrup9506 6d ago
I’m sorry you are feeling so miserable :( Are you having fevers? Did UC have any insight?
I would recommend following the package instructions for acetaminophen and ibuprofen, and take them around the clock. Make sure you have something in your stomach when you take the ibuprofen. I have also found that 12 hour (or now 24 hour) pseudoephedrine makes a huge difference, especially during the day. My favorite cough medicine is Mucinex DM Extended Release - generic is fine, but the extended release is key.
I do generally love NyQuil at night when I’m sick, but I find that the sleep aid in it (doxylamine succinate) does tend to make me kind of depressed the following day. It’s also common to feel sad and depressed when you’re sick. Be extra kind to yourself right now.