virus / cold / ewww

[melanie]

Just to warn you the description could probably get a bit disgusting so sorry!

for a couple of weeks iv had a type of cold / flu like virus thats been going around work and uni. One of my friends went to the doctors and was told that there was nothing they could do because it was a virus - fair enough so i havnt been to see a doctor.

but over the past few days i have been feeling worse not better as i would expect, i am constantly blowing my nose and coughing up phlem (sp??) thats kinda mixed with blood (fresh blood doesnt look old) and when i cough or blow my nose i can smell what i can only describe as like rotting (i know im not rotting but thats what it smells like :yuck: ). for the last couple of days my ears and teeth have been hurting and i was wondering if maybe it could be the infection spreading.

im not ill ill in the way that i cant continue with my everyday life but i imagine that taking ibruprophen (sp??) for well over a week cant be doing my liver or my stomach much good plus im very tired all the time and its begining to affect my uni work and my performance in my job.

so im not really sure what i was asking do you think if i go to the docs they will just send me home because its a virus as i would have to take time off uni to go. and also any suggestions for the mean time??

and yes i do realise it just sounds like i have flu but i thort it was ment to get better not worse after 3 weeks this is my main concern :D

thanx

[snapping_crocodile]

Short of going to the doctor, all i can advise is plenty of rest and lots of fluids.

Taking ibuprofen regularly for more than a week is not adviseable as it can cause your stomch lining to bleed.

If the blood in your phlegm is just small streaks then it is just likely to be very very small, insignifcant, tears at the back of your throat caused by excessive coughing, which will heal itself quite quickly. However if there is lots of blood, or you start vomitting blood, then i suggest you get to your GP/A&E sharpish!

However i still suggest you visit the GP. We coud all advise you to stay at home and say it's likely to be a virus and you'll get over it, but only you really know how you're feeling, and if you are feeling worse only the doctor can give you advice to put your mind at rest :yes: