I'm sick

[Rine]

I don't know what kind of flu it is since they don't test for H1N1 where I'm at anymore...I know that my supervising teacher had it and then a few days later, I've gotten sniffles, sneezing, coughing. Today I work up to fever and vomitting and I think worst of all...

I'm just soooo tired and the fatigue is weighing me down.

I just talked to my manager who is trying to find someone to replace me for tonight's shift. I hope she can. I don't want to go to work feeling like this. During the weekend, it didn't seem too bad. I knew I was sick but I just thought it was a seasonal cold, but now...

I shouldn't go to work like this, should I?

[MaggieTheCat]

Definitely don't go to work like that if there's any way you can help it! You should as much rest as possible.

Keep hydrated. Drink lots of water, and juice (preferably some without any sugar added.) Tea is good too. I also make a hot honey lemon drink: Mix 1-3Tbs of honey with 1-3Tbs lemon juice in a mug, top with boiling water, and stir to combine. The amount of honey and lemon juice you use is just personal taste. I find this drink especially good for sore throats and to ease coughs.

Also stay away from too many dairy products, as the fat in them can thicken phlegm (mucus) that may be causing your cough and any congestion. Lots of water will help thin it out and make it easier to get rid of.

Lastly, if you have any or can get any, the best medication I find for a cold or flu is Tylenol Sore Throat and Cough Syrup. I don't like to over-medicate, I don't like to take NyQuil or Robitussin, but the Tylenol stuff is really good. If you get the night-time version, it will help sooth sore throats and coughs and really knock you out so you can sleep.

I hope you feel better!

[AdminAssistant]

STAY HOME.

The reason why everyone has their knickers in a twist over H1N1 is not the severity of that strand of flu, but because it seems to be much more contagious than others. Impress that fact on your manager - the best thing is to stay isolated until 24 hours after your fever has subsided.

[KiaKat]

Actually, my sister (3rd year med student) told me something a bit disturbing she just learned from her Internal Medicine rotation: With H1N1, you're actually contagious until you stop coughing. Normally you're only contagious until 24 hours after the fever breaks - but this one is different.

Also, if you are pregnant, think you might be, or are in regular contact with any pregnant women, GET THEE TO A DOCTOR NOW. For some reason, H1N1 is EXTREMELY dangerous for any mother-to-be, more so than the normal flu. I cannot emphasize this enough. The recent stat about 28% mortality for pregnant women is not overexaggerated, and that number is actually DOWN for this month. It was higher over the summer, possibly as much as double, depending on what stats source you used.

Get rest, stay hydrated, and if at any time your fever spikes over 101-102 (depending on your base temp), go to the hospital. Fever spikes and dehydration are your worst enemy. Honey is a great idea, as is lemon tea. If you can take it, also try licorice root infusions, echinacea, and very low levels of zinc - too much can kill your sense of smell and taste, but small amounts can boost your immune system.

IANAD, but I listen very closely to my sister, and she has been paying very close attention to the scuttlebutt around her school and the hospitals she's been doing rotations in. The above info is all from her, and is likely extremely reliable - Amina516 (being a medical professional) might be able to provide more details, or correct me if I've misunderstood something.

If you honestly suspect H1N1, definitely do not go into work. Many places have put programmes in place to ensure near-quarantine conditions, check with your HR.

[Rine]

Thanks everyone.

Work said I could stay home after trying to get me to come in--but mostly they were like, "if you really are that sick, STAY HOME." Maybe I'll be better tomorrow so I can work.

I've forced myself to drink water after having not drinking or having anything to eat for nearly twenty four hours. My fever has only hovered around 100 to 101. I slept a long time but I still feel tired, but I'm up because I'm working on school stuff.

I really hate this cough too...sometimes it just hurts and makes my throat ache even worse.

[ditchdj]

We've got a BITCH of a flu right now. For me, it's not that bad, just a nuisance with lots of sneezing and a scratchy throat with a need to take a nap in the afternoon. Not much of a cough and no fever. I've had worse. My wife, on the other hand, is really bad with weakness and throwing up and a fever. She went to the doctor and he just gave her Tamiflu.

[TheSHAD0W]

While your employer may be willing to pay you to give your coworkers and customers a case of the creeping crud, it's really not the polite thing to do.

[AccountingDrone]

awww....

hands out copious amounts of chicken soup

[take one can of college inn chicken broth or your favorite variety, 2 chicken thighs, bone in, 5 cloves garlic peeled, 1 tbsp candied ginger, simmer in a pot for about half an hour. Remove and discard the ginger and garlic - i tie them into a twist of cheesecloth to make it easier] debone and chop the chicken, toss the skin to the dog and throw away the bone. Add a couple tablespoons of pastina [little pasta stars] and simmer until they are cooked through. Snarf down.]