Unfortunately, in the midst of work/research/classes, I forgot to get my flu shot and on top of that, forgot to take care of myself.

I caught the flu. I am now suffering from stuffiness, sore throat, head cold, body aches, chills, and just overall weakness... to the point I can't get out of bed. I tried to take a hot shower last night, and I ended up just sitting on the bathtub floor.

I feel tons better this morning, but still nowhere near 100%... just better enough that I don't want to put myself out of misery.

Any home remedies?

Hello ISneezeFunny,

I love your username.

With all the medical advances it is strange that no one has found a cure for the common cold or flu yet. Possibly because there are so many variants and strains evolve so quickly.

I believe we can only produce a vaccine which can counteract the strains we already know about and when a new one pops up, we have to start all over again.

The unfortunate thing about flu is that basically you can only let it run its course although there are hundreds of medications which will help to alleviate the symptoms.

The only thing I ever found that came remotely close to alleviating most symptoms is a product called Night Nurse or Day Nurse.

Night Nurse, although it does not cure the flu, I always found it held it in check and helped me to get a good sound nights sleep. That in itself is a great help to recovering.

It is called Night Nurse in the UK but it may have a different name elsewhere.

If you decide to try this, although it is an over the counter medication, it is very powerful and if you have any medical conditions or are taking prescribed medications, you must check with the pharmacist before taking it.

I hope you recover from this horrible ailment soon.

Poseidon

We don't have something called Night Nurse in the US, but I've been taking a cocktail of Nyquil and Tylenol Multi Symptom Severe Cold. As far as sleeping, I'm sleeping like a baby... for roughly 7 hours at a time. Which isn't bad.

While I'm awake, I feel like I have shingles in my joints (it's a condition, look it up)...

I know the avg flu lasts about 5 - 7 days... anyone have it run for 2 days? I need some good news as I have an exam Friday.

Hello again ISneezeFunny,

Yes I do know of the condition Shingles.

I have just had a look at the Beechams website, Beechams make the medication and their major outlets for Night & Day Nurse appear to be only UK and Hong Kong.

Of course you could email them and find out if it is sold in the US but under a different name. However by the time you do this and get a reply hopefully you will have got rid of the bug.

Flu as you say is normally a 5-7 days thing and it always seems to strike at the most inconvenient time.

As you feel a lot better today, perhaps you will be able to shake it off by Friday, at least I do hope so.

Sometimes it can go as quickly as it came.

With regard to other medications. I think it is a personal thing. Different people feel that different medications work better for them and stick with them.

I am glad this is not affecting your sleep. I know when I get a dose of the flu, that is the first thing that hits me, difficulty in sleeping.

I wish there was a magic cure for this unwelcome bug. If there was the person who discovered it would be as rich as Midas by now.

May I wish you well with your exams on Friday.

Cy
(Poseidon)

Do you have a fever? If so, call your physician.

Otherwise, you have what I call a really bad cold. When you have a cold, you have to replace fluids into your body... really good is hot tea, chicken soup, ginger ale, lots!. I always take some aspirin to cut down on the aches so I can rest or sit peacefully.

Hope you feel better soon!

I do have a fever. I called a doctor (not my physician, but a friend in residency) and he said that the best that the hospital will do is just give me an IV and just allow me to rest. Not worth it. Besides, I might not survive the car ride.

I'm feeling much better today... and hopefully, tomorrow'll be even better.

Hey, Sneezy... glad to hear you are feeling better.

Now, if the fever continues for more than 48 hours you need to see your doctor. This would be a sign of a bacterial infection rather than a viral infection.

I do agree that this is a flu, not all flu's cause nausea and vomiting. I also agree with Choux's home remedies.

Tylenol PM... NyQuil, DayQuil... Have you tried TheraFlu? It works for me, but not everyone.

A very silly remedy I have used (and it works) is put Vicks Vapo Rub on the soles of your feet... put on think wooley socks (or several pairs if you don't have woolies), some sweatpants and a sweatshirt. Do this at bedtime and you will sweat it all out.

I was chatting with a friend the other day, and he said that his grandmother was in the hospital, recovering from a broken leg as a result of falling off the roof. I was shocked and quickly asked "She's 86 years old! What in the name of heaven was she doing up on the roof?" He said that she was "trying to get over the flu."