Well, I have the flu.

[litebright]

Despite being a Good Steward of Public Health and getting my flu shot, I started coughing on Monday and now have a nasty, phlegmy cough, burning chest, low fever (never above 100.2) and I'm soooo tired. 

It is all in my chest, which is why I went to the doc today -- I've never had this feeling with a regular cold and I suspected something else was going on even though I don't feel 100% terrible. I have zero congestion or stomach issues. Oxygen levels are normal. It's kind of weird. I've had plenty of regular colds, and this is markedly different. 

The doctor was debating whether to do the flu swab or not b/c she said I didn't "look flu-ey" and it was an unusual presentation -- apparently because the shot helped tamp down the symptoms so much. But I pushed a little b/c I wanted to know one way or the other so I could handle any symptoms appropriately for DD1 and DD2 (they aren't sick at this point). The swab went nearly all the way to my brain, OMG. 10 minutes later and bing, flu! 

I'm starting Tamiflu this afternoon and won't be contagious after 24 hours on that. DH is dropping off DD1 to preschool tomorrow. 

Oh and get this! My doc wants me to alternate tylenol & advil -- even with just a low fever, she said it will help with aches and give my body a break from fever -- plus Mucinex D to break up mucus so I don't end up with bronchitis, plus the Tamiflu. And Nyquil as needed. Holy crap, that's a lot of meds. 

I know it's nothing to mess with and this is all to help me get over it quickly and minimize the spread. I just hope my kiddos don't get it. 

[poppyseed]

Ugh, I'm so sorry. Feel better soon!

[litebright]

p.s., I'm not bitter that I got the flu even with having the shot. Just grateful that it's helping keep this to a minimum, b/c I feel kind of wretched as it is and I'm glad it's not worse.

[fuckyourcouch]

ughhhhh. i'm sorry.

[penny]

I'm sorry. The flu is awful, I had it at the beginning of January and thought I was going to die.

[amberlyrose]

Hmm.. I had a lot of those same symptoms but they didn't swab me for flu. I even had the same med recs without the Tamiflu. Weird.

I'm glad you got a diagnosis and I'll keep my fingers crossed that the girls can avoid it!

[regeltx]

I got it too. No flu test, oxygen levels around normal, but a fever of 102. and that nasty chest cough. I started Tamiflu yesterday but the doc said 24 hours fever free before going back to work. My boss text me this morning to see if I was coming into work...