Flu question

[JulieM]

DH came down with the flu yesterday and I was just wondering if you guys could tell us what to expect in symptoms and duration, since it seems like everyone has either had it or knows someone who has. I had read that it was wise to start an anti-influenza medication within the first 48 hours, so his doctor called in Tamiflu which he started last night. (Wow is that expensive!)

Thursday he was tired all day, then yesterday he started with a headache, so he took a nap midday that lasted several hours. When he woke he was running a fever that got up to around 102 last night. Terrible chills, body aches, occasional cough. No problem with appetite. Fever and chills continued through the night until early morning. He didn't have a fever when he got up, but chills have returned so I'm sure the fever has as well, but he's definitely much better.

So are we over the worst? Are we probably looking at just rest for a couple more days?

[MinEaston]

If it is in fact the flu (and it sure sounds like it), I can only relate my experience: I had 2 days of 100+ fever and then it broke. But mine turned into a rather nasty sinus infection and I was pretty much down & out from a Tuesday night until a Sunday mid-day. That Monday morning was pretty rough, too. I'm still feeling pretty worn out today, about a week later.

But yes, hopefully the worst of it is gone.

I understand that the CDC put out a notice that there's a second influenza strain going around that wasn't part of the vaccines.

My toddler brought mine home to me. She too had 2 days of 102+ fever, then a few good days, another day when her fever spiked, and then she bounced back very well.

[wallycat]

I sure hope he feels better soon (and you don't get it!!! Wash your hands!!)

It really depends on the strain and his immune system....but if I recall the 2 times I had it...well, the first time, it was only a week of misery and fever for 2 days with chills for about 2 days, but the second time, I'd have wished to die.
Chills/fever on and off for a week and then a wet-noodle feeling for 2-3 weeks after. I literally had to sit down after taking a shower!!

Speedy recovery!!

[RebeccaT]

I am on day 6 of the flu, and while my fever and achiness only lasted 4 days, I am still very fatigued, coughing, congested, and with an on-and-off headache. I am getting better, but slowly.

If he started Tamiflu, it should significantly shorten the duration of all his symptoms. If only I had gotten it... you have to start it w/in 24-48 hours for it to help. Hope he's already on the mend!

[JulieM]

Thanks everyone! He didn't seem very sick this morning, but he just got up from sleeping for several hours and has a temp of 104! What's weird is he's not shivering like he was last night at 102, in fact he says he's not cold like he was. Neither of us have ever had issues with illness/temperature much so I was startled when I saw that his temp was so high. He's hydrating now with gatorade and just dosed up with aspirin and such. Now he has no appetite--everything sounds yucky. So I'll not push food on him for a while.

He says he feels awful and his back is killing him. Fortunately he's not congested, coughing or complaining of a sore throat. Those symptoms are very mild.

I'm hoping he's suffering through the worst now and will be better tomorrow. I can see from the replies that it's going to be at least a couple more days before he'll feel like getting up much.

[wallycat]

104 fever in adults.....GET to a doctor! There may be other things besides flu going on...secondary infections.
I can't imagine what he is feeling.....I always say better safe than sorry.
I'd rather have the docs whispering about what a wuss I was than miss something.
Get him to a doc ...high fevers are nothing to mess with.

p.s. Many people can have fever, no sore throat but it is strep and it feels like a semi hit you.
Strep on top of flu makes you feel dead.

[JulieM]

104 fever in adults.....GET to a doctor! There may be other things besides flu going on...secondary infections.
I can't imagine what he is feeling.....I always say better safe than sorry.
I'd rather have the docs whispering about what a wuss I was than miss something.
Get him to a doc ...high fevers are nothing to mess with.

p.s. Many people can have fever, no sore throat but it is strep and it feels like a semi hit you.
Strep on top of flu makes you feel dead.
Thanks Ana, I just saw your post. I was pretty freaked out about the temp too! But now he's cooled down, sitting up, and finally has a little appetite and just ate some toast. Plus lots and lots of fluids since I took his temp earlier. He had a terrible headache, but an icewater bottle on his head seems to have helped that a lot too. I will keep a close eye on him through the night to make sure his temp doesn't spike again. I appreciate your advice. I agree high fever is nothing to mess with.

[wallycat]

Keeping good thoughts that the worst is over...aspirin will lower temps but if there is an underlying condition, it may come back.
I hope this is it for him. Appetite is always a good sign :)