Broke down and went to the ER this morning.

[LuckyCharms]

Influenza type A.

It's a horror show. Never been so sick. Never. I've had the flu before, but this strain is a psycho flu. Seriously, don't get it.

They offered Tamiflu, but I decided against it after weighing risks and benefits. That means about 4 more days of hugging myself when I cough because my ribs are so sore. 4 more days of violent dry heaves from this horribly dry cough.

This flu can fuck right off.

[SummerSnow]

1. So sorry you are sick. Hope you get better soon.

What did they give you to fight it?

[LuckyCharms]

10. Thanks, SummerSnow.

They offered Tamiflu, but there is about a 5% risk of developing pancreatitis while using that. That 1/20 risk is a little too high for me, since I have been hospitalized with pancreatitis in the past.

They would not give me a cough medicine because they want you to cough to help lessen the chance of developing pneumonia.

So basically, it's a gram of Tylenol every 6 hours to fight the fever. Not much else they can do, unfortunately.

[SummerSnow]

27. teaspoon of Tumeric, tablespoon of honey and lemon should help some.

Oh and Eucalyptus all natural boil in a teapot and drink just use one leaf for one cup or you can get some thyme and licorice, will help bring up mucous from your chest

[LuckyCharms]

31. Thank you...

I take Tumeric daily, and can put my hands on the honey and lemon. I'll pick up some Eucalyptus, or will have someone get it for me.

[Cha]

57. And, lots of liquids.. water, juice..

flush it out!

[FarPoint]

33. I took Tamiflu about 4 years ago.

Amazing drug...Worked in less than 24 hours...m

[phylny]

39. I had the same experience.

I felt better after two days - unbelievably so.

[kst]

73. That's a lot of Tylenol

So basically, it's a gram of Tylenol every 6 hours to fight the fever. Not much else they can do, unfortunately.

WebMD says: "Unless otherwise directed by your care provider, the usual maximum recommended dose is 3 grams in 24 hours."

Obviously you've been "otherwise directed", but please be careful.

[missingm]

2. What were the risks of Tamiflu that you refused it?

I have heard of this a few times, usually with a sad ending. Of course those are the only stories you will hear.

[LuckyCharms]

12. The risks can be evaluated for your personal situation, but they are

1) A 5%, or 1/20 chance of pancreatitis.

2) Hallucinations

Also, it should ideally be taken in the first 48 hours of developing symptoms. I'm on my 3rd day, so I decided against it.

[missingm]

21. Thank you. Get well soon!

[CountAllVotes]

49. Olde Irish remedy

What you need:

8 oz. boiling water
Juice of 1 lemon
1 shot of brandy
1-2 TBS honey

Mix the above together and swallow. Repeat as needed.

It will help to get rid of that nasty cough and you'll hopefully get some rest!

Hope you feel better very soon!

[No Vested Interest]

69. I take this remedy nightly, substituting Kentucky bourbon

for the brandy, and Splenda for the honey, though I know honey has its own benefits.

Keeps me healthy, in general.

[japple]

93. I do the same thing except I eliminate the honey, lemon and brandy and add

ice cubes and splash of branch water to my 4 Roses!

[aggiesal]

90. Or ...

Just keep drinking the brandy and after a while you won't care that you have the flu!

[CountAllVotes]

92. ....

and it will silence that cough.

The juice of an entire lemon is seriously part of this concoction. My old Irish Dad swore by it ...

[erronis]

95. I KNOW that remedy. And it WORKS. Except the next day when it needs to be repeated

To deal with the effects of of the prior days....

[CountAllVotes]

100. Hair of the dog that bit you?

or not?

[bench scientist]

79. the hallucinations can also caused by high fever from the flu.

Tamiflu helps block the mature virions from leaving infected cells. This drastically reduces how many new cells get infected.
I worked on flu virus in graduate school.
If you do prefer a more natural approach get some elderberry tea. The lectins in elderberry also block the receptor the flu virus uses. You want as pure elderberry as you can find. Whole foods, earthfare or other health food store may have it.
We used it in the lab to block cells before we infected them. It's a natural medicine with a scientific basis for how it works.
it tastes horrible though. horrible.
I had the flu and used tamiflu and eldeberry tea both to recover. Both with help shorten your recovery.
Get to feeling better soon.

[renate]

102. I got elderberry extract (a powder) from a company on Amazon

I won't name the company because I'm not sure whether we're allowed to do that here, but they're out of stock anyway.

It doesn't taste great (not bad) alone but in water with a little sweetener it's fine.

Definitely recommend. Thanks so much for the explanation!!! How cool that you worked on the flu virus in grad school!

[bench scientist]

107. It's the lectins specifically in the elderberry that is the active part so whole leaves are best.

Yup, I'm a total nerd. My graduate work is in infectious disease now in law school getting my JD so I can go into patent law.

[Kirk Lover]

3. So the risk of Tamiflu is worse I guess? nt

[LuckyCharms]

16. It depends on how long you have had the symptoms...

Over 48 hours, and it may not be that helpful. Also, the severe risks were a little too high for me to consider taking it if it may not be beneficial.

[Phoenix61]

4. Glad you sought care

You're right. This flu is nothing to be messed with. Take care of yourself.

[LenaBaby61]

5. Feel better... REST & LOTS of fluids.

[bathroommonkey76]

6. Eat raw cloves of garlic

It will clear up in a day or two if you go that route.

[genxlib]

14. If nothing else

It will keep people far enough away from you to keep from spreading it.

[AJT]

30. And, of course, there's the whole vampire thing.

[Cha]

59. That's what I do at the first sign

of a cold.. that and turmeric root. Lots of coconut water and apples.

[bathroommonkey76]

61. People seem to make fun of those who go the alternative routes

The last time I was sick with the flu was 1996.

I've trusted alternative medicine for decades now. And btw I never have gotten a flu shot either.

[Cha]

77. Well, we're on the same

page. Good on you! Natural ways for healing. They're trusted 'cause they keep working.

Never had a flu shot either and haven't been really sick since the '70s when I was partying way too hard.

Lucky's thread made me think of that.. I had what they called walking pneumonia and the doc finally gave me Percocet.. that cleared the horrible coughing right up.

[CatMor]

7. Sorry to hear you have that nasty flu....

Hope you are right that the nasty cough will be gone in 4 days. What was your reason for declining Tamiflu?
Please take care and get well soon.

[LuckyCharms]

20. A 5% risk of pancreatitis, which is high for a person

who has been hospitalized with it before.

[CatMor]

24. I don't blame you for declining.

[CTyankee]

8. My recent bout of severe bronchitis convinced me that it is part of the deadly flu this season...

I am justnow feeling better, after two rounds of antibiotics, two bottles of Mucinex, prednisone and days of lying in bed, not eating. I finally had to get up, get in the shower and put on warm clean clothes. That did make me feel a bit better. Hot soup was good, too...

by all means, rest and don't get depressed.

[NCTraveler]

70. That went through our house.

The two other people went to the doctor almost right away. I rarely go to the doctor but on day three was gasping for air. I have never had my lungs impacted by anything like that. The first person in the house to get it is still nursing a cough a month later. Went to the doctor last week just to check on it. Doctor gave the all clear and simply said it was that nasty.

It's the first time I have had difficulty breathing from an illness for days.

[CTyankee]

75. Yup. My husband got it from me and we trouped off to the doctor...luckily for him, his was

a milder strain so he got better faster.

[unblock]

9. my sympathies. blown-out rib muscles are the worst.

[LisaM]

11. My BF had a bout of what they told him was influenza B about two months ago.

He reported what you did, the relentless and incessant coughing until it hurt. He was absolutely miserable, and thankfully he recovered. I was worried about him.

[bluestarone]

13. So sorry to hear that hope you get better soon

Also heard the biggest problem is with breathing!! If you have trouble breathing get it checked out right away!! Drink Lot's of fluids for sure!!

[genxlib]

15. Feel Better Unlucky Charms

[eleny]

17. omg, sounds so awful

flu can make your skin and even eyelashes hurt. take care and here's hoping that you turn the corner very soon.

damn you, flu bug!

[oasis]

18. Come back strong LuckyCharms.

[Leith]

19. That's Bad

We all hope you feel better soon.

[Ilsa]

22. Get lots of rest. I guess stay off DU,

Sleep, and whatever else they recommend.

[Lochloosa]

23. I took Tamiflu and was feeling great in two days. Minor stomach problems....

but that was over in an hour.

[LuckyCharms]

25. I'm glad it worked for you.

If I ever get this again, I would consider taking it if I can catch the symptoms within 48 hours.

[Lochloosa]

26. I got 10 doses and was supposed to take them all. I kept 5 back.

I just didn't need to take them anymore. I'll save those for a rainy day.

[malaise]

28. Have you tried menthol crystals? n/t

[LuckyCharms]

32. I have not.

I will though, if the symptoms hang on. Thank you.

[irisblue]

29. Can someone firmly ace wrap your rib cage?

I did that when I had cartilage damage after a patient in the ER punched me. It did help.

[LuckyCharms]

34. That's a good idea...

Kind of hard to explain, but I have this "thing" in my garage that is the right shape to get a good hug on it, and it helps. I'll see if I have an ace bandage. I'm sorry you got punched!

[irisblue]

44. Ahhh. people get scared sometimes & do weird things. Decades ago anyway.

[smirkymonkey]

80. I'm so sorry to hear about how sick you are. I just got over something similar.

I thought I had pulled my rib muscles, but I went to our health center at work and they said that because it didn't hurt to the touch, just when I coughed or breathed deeply it was probably some kind of pleurisy type of infection in my lungs. It was a sharp pain in my upper right lung and it was terribly painful. I took Mucinex (not DM) which helped to thin the mucus and a decongestant at night to dry up my head so it wouldn't drip into my lungs. I also used Vicks VaporRub on my chest and a hot wet compress which seemed to help loosen things up and helped with the pain. I hope you feel better soon - I know how awful you must be feeling right now. Take care!

[rzemanfl]

35. Mine is dragging out too, although yours sounds worse. Hang in there. n/t

[Dem_4_Life]

36. I am sorry you are sick.

Try 2 times a day mixing 1 tablespoon of honey with a few teaspoons of cinnamon and mix together and take it all at once. I do this when I am sick and it really helps.

[Freddie]

37. I had the flu last month

I'm generally pretty healthy but it's horrible! Was sick in bed 1 week and felt crappy and weak for 2 more. Cough was the worst, that didn't go away for 4 weeks. I've heard people are getting pneumonia from staying in bed as the crap in your lungs can settle in, best to get up at least a little even though that's the last thing you want to do. You WILL get better but this thing really hangs on.

[Drahthaardogs]

38. Did you get the flu shot?

I know quite a few people who got it despite taking the shot BUT it only lasted about three or four days for them.

[Shrike47]

89. I had the flu shot. I had the flu, too. Still coughing two weeks in to it.

[Drahthaardogs]

98. That sucks.

I hear the cough longers a long time

[Marie Marie]

40. Sending you a big old bowl of virtual Chicken Soup to help you feel better.

[canetoad]

41. Something to make you feel better

This was written by a doctor!

[rainin]

58. Hilarious! Did you miss the poster's ribs hurt? Cruel of you to post a funny. LOL n/t

[PJMcK]

63. That's brilliant

For such humor, you get a heart, canetoad!

[canetoad]

105. Cheers PJ

[peggysue2]

91. Hahaha!

Pretty good. Of course if you feel like Lucky Charm it's hard to laugh.

Funny though and for anyone who has had the flu, too true.

[LuckyCharms]

109. Yup!

[JDC]

42. Feel better

[Tree-Hugger]

43. Feel better

This flu season is no joke. I hope you are on the mend very soon! 💜

[ProudMNDemocrat]

45. Take care of yourself.......

This is a nasty big for sure. Knock on wood. Hope you feel better soon.

[StarryNite]

46. Awww

It sounds dreadful! Just read the possible side effects of Tamiflu, don't blame you a bit for not taking it. Get well quick!

[samnsara]

47. Im a Linus Pauling fan.. drink lots and lots of orange juice

....hope you're feeling better soon.

[FailureToCommunicate]

84. Wow. Hadn't heard that name in years. Of course

right or wrong it doesn't hurt to drink orange juice ( except for the teeth damage)

[Chakaconcarne]

48. Make sure you're washing your hands religiously...

That actually has better efficacy than the flu shot most years.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

50. Keep very warm. Body raises temp w fever to be inhospitable for viruses. Bake it out.

Warm to just under the point of sweating or at the point where you feel sweat occasionally but it evaporates almost immediately. Lots of layers of clothing. Top layer with zipper so you can regulate easily. Keep feet warm and wear a hat even indoors.

Drink lots of fluids to help flush out the virus and avoid drying out with the warmth. Eat as much as you can to fuel the metabolic fires (may be difficult based on what I see you wrote).

Follow medical advice if it contradicts anything I wrote.

[Eliot Rosewater]

51. Two questions

a. did you have the flu shot?

b. why no Tamiflu? what is the down side?

Oh, and feel better

[Cha]

52. So Sorry, LuckyCharms!

Hang there

[rurallib]

53. Your too valuable to lose here - I am really not sure we can give you a day off

But take some time off if you must.

Seriously take good care we need the likes of you around here.

[Laffy Kat]

54. I am so sorry, LC.

Rest, rest, rest. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Positive, healing vibes out to you.

[redstatebluegirl]

55. Really really sorry!

It took me 3 weeks to get over it, I almost ended up in the hospital over the darn stuff. It is brutal this year, and I got my annual flu shot too.

Be kind to yourself..

[rustysgurl]

56. Sambucol ...

elderberry extract. You can get it at WalMart, drugstores, vitamin stores, etc. People around here are swearing by it for shortening the flu's duration. You can get it in liquid or tablets that disolve on your tongue.

I hope you feel better soon!

[Glamrock]

60. Where's the punchline lucky?

Rare that I cluck on one of your posts and don't laugh!
DISSAPPOINTED!!!!

now get better!

[bronxiteforever]

62. Get better Lucky.

[JNelson6563]

64. Didn't they give you some cough medicine?

[PJMcK]

65. Your illness is due to the snowfall

If you didn't have to shovel the driveway twice, you'd probably just have a cold.

(wink)

Take care and feel better.

[Mrs. Overall]

66. Take care of yourself!!

This flu season is awful.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

67. I feel your pain!

I had the same strain, H3N2, many years ago, and I thought I'd have to get better in order to die. I hope you feel better soon (it was about 3 days of misery for me, but I was only 19). Hang in there!

[Sophiegirl]

68. Im over the worst of it...BUT...

I feel okay, but I made a quick trip to the grocery store today and almost passed out in the checkout line. At the end of the trip, I felt like I had run a marathon while smoking three packs of cigarettes. I could barely unload two bags of groceries.

Take care of yourself, even if you think you are over it.

[House of Roberts]

71. I usually go to the ER when I break down.

Seriously, hope you feel better. I come in contact with relatively few people, so I hope I don't get this year's strain.

[RandomAccess]

72. More natural remedies - for those who may be interested

These are primarily from my personal experience with the common cold, but some if not all should also help with this thing.

Zinc helps prevent viruses from replicating. Vitamin C in large quantities -- 500 mg every few hours -- can be very effective.

Echinacea - another specific for infections of all kinds. I don't personally know that it actually acts directly on colds and flu pathogens, but in my experience, it does boost the immune system, a bit like a kick in the butt. You can get Echinacea and Goldenseal together (but this is NOT for anyone with high blood pressure), and that's even more powerful. Or goldenseal alone.

NOW Foods makes an elderberry and zinc lozenge that has helped me stop colds in their tracks -- Elderberry is a specific for rhinovirus (specific means it's the first thing you turn to). I've sucked down up 5 to 8 in a day with great results.

You can also get other elderberry products -- syrup, capsules, tincture. I don't know how effective it is against this particular flu but it is BRILLIANT against rhinovirus.

There's an essential oil blend called Thieves by Young Living Oil which is very effective against a wide range of stuff. You can get it on Amazon. It may seem expensive, but hose tiny 5ml bottles last for several years. If I'm coming down with something I apply several drops to the bottom of my feet up to 4x in a day for as long as necessary -- but usually only need up to 2 days to cure whatever it is. It has 5 different essential oils known to be effective against virus, bacteria, etc. Wonderful EO blend. I wouldn't want to be without it.

Speaking of essential oils, Eucalyptus is a specific for lung congestion, and also has antibiotic properties. Spread it on your chest (in a bit of olive or other food oil), or use Vicks VapoRub. Dab a bit under your nose to help with sinus. Diffuse it in your vaporizer or an EO diffuser for killing germs and keeping the pipes open.

For muscle pain, try Arnica gel by Boiron. This is another product I'd never be without. It's fabulous for preventing bruises and pain after bumping yourself, and it works on a lot of other pain as well, but not all. I think it'd help with this kind of muscle pain but I've not had the occasion to try it myself, so don't know. However, it's worth having on hand for neck cricks and tension, those bruises and bumps, etc., so it wouldn't be a waste of money. Fabulous product. Also available from Amazon as well as your local healthfood store.

There are many, many, many wonderful herbs that work against viruses like rhinovirus -- catnip, ginger, chamomile, garlic (as mentioned), lemon and honey -- esp. manuka honey, on and on. The secret is to LOAD UP, not just take one dose.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

74. Much sympathy and wishes that you get much better soon.

The up side of having actually come down with this, is that now you should be amazingly resistant to future strains.

Type A is by far the worst of the three types. That's what all of the major epidemics and pandemics have been, including the infamous 1918 flu, the 1957 Asian Flu, and the 1968 Hong Kong flu. It may comfort you slightly to know that back in 1918, the main reason older people rarely got that flu was that they'd been through a type A epidemic some 50 years earlier and so were largely immune.

Do get plenty of rest, lots of fluids. Be as self-indulgent as possible.

[AtheistCrusader]

76. I hope you have another person around to help monitor your symptopms.

As humans, we're really bad at gauging how sick we are, and may procrastinate getting help, until it's too late, if on our own.

[DUgosh]

78. Feel better soon

[mainer]

81. Drink some Vietnamese soup (Pho)

Has star anise, which has antiviral properties.

[tavernier]

82. So sorry

Sending you chicken soup wishes
And be sure to sprinkle a little cinnamon in it. It’s very healthy and you’ll be surprised how well it goes with chicken soup.

[Different Drummer]

83. Sorry you are sick and hoping you get well soon! n/t

[Renew Deal]

85. I know more people sick with the flu this year than ever before

It's been rough

[CaptainTruth]

86. Yuck! I recommend lots of vitamin C, like 3000 mg/day.

And fluids, stay hydrated, that's what helps me.

Hope you feel better soon!!!

[Meowmee]

87. Hope you feel better soon

That is awful. I ended up getting the flu shot 3 weeks ago because so many people were dying and I’m high risk. It was not as bad a reaction this time and he did the shot in the back of my arm so it didn’t hurt as much. And affect my mobility etc. I had to take aleve for 7 days to help my reaction.

I had flu B 3-4 years ago in May after getting the shot in October and it was awful. 102 fever and the horrible cough too. They did an x ray to make sure I didn’t have Pneumonia or a fracture. It was too late for tamiflu. I took aleve and an expectorant and I had started an antibiotic at home which the doc said was good because it reduced my inflammatory reaction. I was very exhausted for 3 months after. I drank lots of herbal teas, broth etc. and I took AF cold and flu. Sugar free herbal menthol drops helped also.

[Dem_in_Nebr.]

88. Kinda odd to rec a post about someone feeling bad

but I did it any way. Just want you to know you're being thought of.

Hang in there!

[peggysue2]

94. Sorry to hear you're down

The flu is miserable and this year's strain sounds particularly so. You've received some really good remedies, including my grandmother's tonic: hot toddy, heavy on the lemon and honey.

Good news? Next week should be better.

[xmas74]

96. I sliced my finger open the other

Night after a glass broke in my hand. I needed a couple of stitches but refused to go to the ER. I have insurance but my hospital bills separately for the visit, the doctor bills through their own practice separate from the hospital and the lab is also independently ran and bills separately. It's either the doctor or the lab who refuses Cigna so I chose to bleed it out at home.

I won't go to the ER unless I'm on deaths door.

[erronis]

97. I was just diagnosed with Type B. OK - I'll live. Except for the nasal swab!!!!

I have never had such a reaction to an in-patient test (including some pretty violent probings) as that q-tip going way/way up places that I didn't even know that I had.

The very nice nurse described the procedure several times for me, told me about the discomfort level, asked if I was OK with it.

Well, shit. I'm a guy - I can take almost anything (except hang-nails.)

When that very thin q-tip went there I couldn't control my reactions. Of course I didn't have any choice but forget waterboarding (kidding.) The nurse later said that she had tried it last year and involuntarily went into the fetal position.

[greenman3610]

99. had it.

be prepared for several weeks of exhaustion after the cough <starts to> resolve.

[orangecrush]

101. Had that strain

a few years back, cough lasted over a month.

A good investment was a little steam maker with a mask that attaches that covers your mouth and nose.

The steam feels really good on a sore throat and lungs, and helps you breathe easier.

Got mine at Walmart for less than 20 bucks.

Hope you recover quickly!

[ollie10]

103. Follow your doc's advice

Long and short of it.

[cstanleytech]

104. Stay hydrated or you could wind up like I did and in the ICU for 3 days with severe dehydration and

DKA as I was so sick I missed some of my insulin shots.
Then to top it off I know have something wrong with my gallbladder or pancreas now with pain on right side and yellow stools though the tests have not shown any problems with gallstones so seeing a specialist sometime in the next few weeks.
Edit: Forgot to add, good choice on the Tamiflu, wish I had not taken it as I had major earache from it.

[BumRushDaShow]

106. When I saw the subject, I thought the "ER" was "FR"

and the post would get into how you had wandered into Freeper land!

OMG I hope you get better. It's bad enough that a cold can kick your ass (I had one that went over 14 days) but the flu....

PLEASE get better!

[Heartstrings]

108. I've been battling the creeping crud

since Christmas. Went to my dr yesterday as I thought I had strep. Nope, just the crud.....she did give me an antibiotic as she thought sometime between Christmas and now I must have been bacterial. Started the antibiotic yesterday and actually felt worse.

This crap is demonic! Hope you feel better LuckyCharms!

[ancianita]

110. Sympathies. I had chest only flu for two horrid wks. A former student, epileptic, on a strict diet,

recommended this to me, among other things in her vegan regimen.

She says she takes it and is flu free.

I have to say that I'm going to give it a try. Given all the info I've read, I'm more than optimistic.

Of course, you shouldn't take my word for it, but I'll offer one comment below this product:

Do some research, starting with www.silver-colloids.com/

This site gives really useful information and explanations about the types of silver solutions that masquerade as colloidal silver. Essentially there are 3 types - colloidal, ionic, and silver bound to protein. The protein bound silver is responsible for argyria. Genuine colloidal silver is NOT. Ionic silver is useful as a topical application. Go to the website and read it. You will then have a better understanding.
I read so many reviews that bombastically state opinions as facts.

One example - a reviewer stated that colloidal silver is always clear. WRONG! Ionic silver is clear. Genuine colloidal silver has a darker tint depending on the concentration and particle size. Don't keep yourself in the dark about the usefulness of silver. I am a long standing user of it and I wouldn't be without it. And no, wisecrackers, I'm not blue. And if you educate yourself on the subject you won't be either.

https://www.amazon.com/Trace-Minerals-Research-Liquimins-supplement/dp/B000AMUWME/ref=sr_1_11_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1518284614&sr=1-11&keywords=colloidal+silver#customerReviews

It took me three weeks to recover. At my worst point (pains shooting through my lungs such that I thought I was having a heart attack), I nevertheless decided not to "atom bomb" my GI tract with an antibiotic. Home remedies started to take effect. On my own I found that hot water, sliced lemon wedge and a bit of honey balanced my overall body Ph and helped my immune system beat the bug.

I also recommend that you read Elizabeth Rosenthal's An American Sickness, so that you get an idea about the shifts in health care now going on.

[LittleGirl]

111. Warm honey water always helps me stop coughing

I've had sinus infections that turned into bronchitis and suffered with sore ribs too. It's hurts like hell.
I got sick last winter and hubby was losing sleep over my coughing. He got me some warm honey water and bam, I slept good that night and every night after that.
I hope you recover soon. Gentle cyber hugs.

[hfojvt]

112. I've been getting a flu shot for about a decade

I perhaps have the flu now anyway. Not that bad, except it seems to be lingering.

[BigmanPigman]

113. People are paying for IV drips for fluids as a prevention

since it is so bad in San Diego. I was a teacher who had a weakened immune system and got sick ALL THE TIME. I had Mono for 6 months with jaundice and didn't miss a day of work since they couldn't diagnose it...my weight dropped to 84 pounds. I had bronchitis all the time and once it turned into walking pneumonia and they said I could go to work after 3 days. I had my dad take me to the hospital and I collapsed in the hop ital parking lot since I internally lost 1/3 of my blood and ended up getting transfusions and 30 pounds of IV fluid pumped into me in 3 days. I was so water logged I couldn't fit my feet into shoes for 3 weeks.
The doctors on the local news said to skip the $150 IV fluid drips as a prevention (people are afraid to miss work if they get sick and will lose income). He said drink a TON of plain old water as well as Gatorade or something with electrolytes. I think that is the most important thing to do since my experience in the hospital showed how important water is.