What's All This Buzz About Flu Like Illnesses

Last week I wrote a blog about the flu vaccine, how it’s made and what ingredients are included in the preparation of vaccines. Then two days later I developed flu like symptoms and have been sick for the last week! So Not Fair! It has been a long week of fevers, chills, sweats, muscle weakness, fatigue and general unpleasantness. 

So did I have influenza? Most likely not. I did not have any respiratory symptoms, no cough, no runny nose or congestion. The only way to be sure it was influenza would be to do a nasal swab, which is not always accurate, but if it shows positive, then it is called influenza. The CDC is not reporting any cases of influenza yet on their web site. So, no, I didn’t have the flu. I just felt miserable enough to have the flu. I had a flu like illness, or a viral syndrome of unknown etiology. We do not usually even test for what type of virus is involved because it doesn’t really matter. The treatment is still the same- rest, drink fluids, ibuprofen for discomfort and fever if needed. It just takes time! 

Other viruses that can cause flu like symptoms are adenovirus, enterovirus, paramyxovirus and parainfluenza viruses to name a few. But you can also feel like you have the flu when you have a bacterial infection. Even something like appendicitis or diverticulitis can make you feel muscle aches, fever, weakness and fatigue. So it is super important to check with your doctor if you are ill with these symptoms in case it requires antibiotics or surgery and is not a virus. 

There are things you can do to help prevent catching a viral illness. Eating a clean healthy diet, daily movement, clean water and  hand washing can all help your immune system stay strong. I am pretty good at doing all these things and so I can feel really offended when I get sick anyway! The song that comes to mind is “I fought the virus and the virus won”!  ( by The Clash, with adjusted lyrics) Sometimes the virus is stronger than my ability to fight it off. So not fair!  

It has taken me a while to regain my strength this week. I am better but not back to health. My legs still ache and my stamina is puny. But lab work says I’m normal, so I’m grateful. Being sick has a way of making you grateful for your health. I will cherish those days when I feel good again! Just another reminder to practice gratefulness. 

The information in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. Please seek medical attention for your specific circumstances.