My son came home from college with flu symptoms of fever, aches, chills, no appetite, sore throat and deep dry cough. He was sick for a total of seven days. Poor guy even passed out one night when he went to the bathroom. He was dehydrated, even though he was drinking a lot. My youngest daughter and I both started getting sick about four days after he went back to college. We both had the flu shot! Anyway, this couldn't be anything else. We had aches; high fevers (102 to 104 degrees); sore throats; deep, dry coughs; no appetites, and just feeling absolutely miserable. I still say to get your flu shot though! This has lasted about six to seven days. Published: January 06 ::

I am a 48-year-old female. I was diagnosed with Type B influenza yesterday. I received the flu shot in November of this year. I also had Type B influenza in February of this year. On Friday, Dec. 5, 2008, I started with what I thought was a cold or allergy symptoms: nasal congestion, slight sore throat, and some coughing. I went to my husband's Christmas party and probably infected several people unknowingly. Saturday morning, I felt really bad. I had body aches, a low-grade fever of 100, a sore throat, coughs, facial pain, slight nausea, and no appetite. I stayed in bed all day. Sunday morning, I was determined to go to church, so I took some Sinus Tylenol and Motrin and went. Considering I am a medical assistant, you would think I would know better. My low-grade fever returned as the Motrin wore out. Monday morning, I went to the medical office I work at and was swabbed for the flu. Yep: I was Type B positive. I also have a sinus infection, so I was prescribed Omnicef. Today, I still have a lot of nasal congestion, hoarseness, coughing, but I feel "slightly" better. I was told to stay out of work for a week, but we’ll see how that goes. Published: December 10 ::

I began coming down with the flu last Saturday afternoon. It started with achiness, headache, and fatigue. I took an Epsom salt bath and went to bed early. The next morning, I felt cold and both mentally and physically "slow." I took another bath and tried to go about my day, but in church while everyone else appeared comfortable in shirtsleeves, I was shivering in an overcoat. I went home, took yet another hot bath, and went to bed. I've experienced queasiness verging on nausea (but no vomiting), especially at the prospect of eating; some light-headedness and dizziness when I've tried to bend over or move about; I had been having difficult bowel movements on Friday and Saturday (unusual for me), and even my urination was difficult. It felt as if all my "pipes" were reduced in diameter, and the flow was restricted. By Monday, all my bowel movements had changed to diarrhea and occasional soft blooms of bright color -- especially beet red. My energy by Wednesday had begun to return, and I was able to do some dishes and attend to some business mid-day, but by evening, I was back home in bed with my hot water bottle on my belly. I've continued to wake every two hours (at minimum) during the night to use the bathroom, but the flow no longer seems restricted. It's just the liquid diarrhea though. I'm eating only small amounts of protein, whole grains, fruit, and vegetables, plenty of water, hot light-colored tea, and chicken broth. I have not had any respiratory symptoms, possibly because I've cut out all sugar, refined carbs, flour, alcohol, and caffeine from my diet? At this point (Thursday), I'm still home, taking it easy, feeling mostly myself, except for the occasional need to use the bathroom from the diarrhea. My appetite was stronger this morning, and I didn't feel the need to force myself to eat my breakfast. I actually enjoyed the taste of goat cheese and a soft boiled egg. I feel hopeful the end is in sight. Published: December 01 ::

I'm a 23-year-old emergency room nurse, and this year I opted out for the flu shot. Go figure that I got the flu. It started with a general “just not feeling good,” almost like a sinus infection. I had a low-grade temperature, some aches, burning eyes, dizziness, and tiredness. I took Tylenol to combat these symptoms that lasted for a couple days. Then it turned into a sore throat that was so bad I couldn't swallow. My tonsils were basically touching. I lost my voice totally, my fever wasn't going away with Tylenol anymore, and my head and body ached. By the end of my eight-hour shift on Monday, I had another nurse start an IV on me because I was so dehydrated. The doctor on duty gave me some prednisone to take the swelling down in my throat as well. It’s now Wednesday, and I haven't returned to work yet. I've been taking an antibiotic and a steroid daily. I'm feeling a little better. I’m still very, very tired, and I still have a disgusting cough. My newest symptoms are diarrhea and stomach cramps. I ate some yogurt, and they have subsided at this point. My fever returned to a low-grade one. I still don't have a voice, but I'm back to work tomorrow at 7 p.m. for more action. Looks as if I’ll never skip the flu shot again! Published: December 01 ::

I just got over the flu. It started with a headache and not feeling well. The next day, I had a stuffy nose with sinus congestion and drip. The day after that, I was so thirsty. I kept drinking and drinking and couldn't figure out what was going on. Then, it moved to my throat. My throat was so sore, all I could get down was ice cream. Then, the body aches came. My bones hurt clear down into my legs. I got so sick that I couldn't get up for three days. I wondered if I was going to succumb to this. It was difficult to breathe. I'd wake up and then sort of try and sit up. I was running a fever of 102. I have not been this sick since the 80s. It took three days before I could even get up. It was difficult to even walk to the bathroom or kitchen. Now it is in my bronchial area. I still have the cough, which hurts when I cough. This was for a week. This one scared me. That is why I am writing about it here. I think now that I will consider getting the flu shot. I have never taken the shot before. Published: November 14 ::