Flu Question

[AlbertaGirl]

How long does the flu normally last? I started feeling sick six days ago, and each day is worse than the last. Today I was too tired to even watch TV. I can't sleep because if I lay down I start coughing, and my nose is running non-stop even though I'm taking DayQuil/NyQuil. I don't know how much more of this I can take! At what point should I start to worry that it's not the flu but rather something more serious?

 

[alpayton]

The flu normally has symptoms that are more serious than coughing and a runny nose. There is a virus/bug that's been going around down this way that's very much as you describe (if that's the only symptoms you are having) that's basically a form of bronchitis and seems to be lasting longer than the normal 7-10 days even WITH antibiotics, decongestants, antihistamines, and antiemetics. My son's had his for the past 3 weeks - kid you not - though it's FINALLY starting to fade out now. But his doc put him on antibiotics for 2 full weeks and he's still taking Mucinex and Benadryl. Poor little guy.

Hope you get to feeling better, but if you've been sick for a week and you're not getting any better (and actually getting worse), I'd make an appointment with my doctor if I were you.

 

[Courtney]

This has been going through my family, as well. I had it, Adam got it, Mom caught it and now Dad is ill with it. When I had it, I'd cough until I passed out because that feeling of something being stuck in your throat never went away. I had bronchitis and it took something like 1 month before I started feeling more like myself.

Go to the doctor and get some antibiotics. The sooner you get on them, the sooner you'll feel better. Take a cough suppressant before bed, and a spoonful of honey (it'll soothe your poor throat). I also found that putting a bit of Vicks in my nose helped the congested feeling, and a little bit on my chest helped with the coughing.

 

[eroomlorac]

I don't know if what you have is viral or bacterial (do you have a fever and if so, how high?) But sometimes viral infections can run you down so bad bacteria can take over. I think you need to see a doctor and let him/her determine whether you need an antibiotic or maybe give you something to help control your symptoms. Good luck. I hope you feel better soon.