When Was The Last Time You Had The Flu?

[arwalden]

I've never gotten a flu shot (for as long as I can remember)... so I guess I'm lucky that I only come down with the flu once every 5 or 6 years (if that).

I'm not even sure how to tell if I actually had "the flu" or just a very bad cold? --- I'm guessing it has something to do with the duration, fever, aches, sleeplessness, coughing, congestion, headaches, lack of appetite.

It's just horrid!

-- Allen

[liontamer]

1. sophomore year of college

(about four years ago) I was so sick I couldn't even have sex (one of my favorite things to do when I'm sick and at home). I couldn't go to class for weeks, and ended up doing horribly that semester. Of course I also couldn't eat so it sent me on a path to lose 20lbs and fit into things I hadn't worn in years.

[MrsMatt]

14. me too!

I was so weak, I couldn't walk and had to crawl to the bathroom when I needed to go. This went on for over a week.

God that was a miserable time.

[Robbie67]

2. I've never had the flu or a flu shot

I think you'd know if you had the flu as opposed to the common cold. I'm not sure but I think the flu would nearly kill you without proper treatment.

[flvegan]

4. Me neither.

Knock on wood...knock wood...wood knockers...woodpeckers...what time is it?

[arwalden]

7. Flu Symptoms (From Web MD)

http://my.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/hw122044.asp

The symptoms of influenza appear suddenly and often include:

Fever of 100 °F(37.8 °C) to 104 °F(40 °C), which can reach 106 °F(41.1 °C) when symptoms first develop. Fever is usually continuous, but it may come and go. Fever may be lower in older adults than in children and younger adults.

Shaking chills.

Body aches and muscle pain (often severe), commonly in the back, arms, or legs.

Headache.

Pain when you move your eyes.

Fatigue, a general feeling of sickness (malaise), and loss of appetite.

A dry cough, runny nose, and dry or sore throat. You may not notice these during the first few days of the illness when other symptoms are more severe. As fever goes away, these symptoms usually become more evident.

When fever is high, other symptoms usually are more severe.

Other conditions with symptoms similar to the flu include the common cold, bacterial infections, and infectious mononucleosis.

[curse10]

3. every freakin' year

even if I get the shot it just lessens the blow.

[notadmblnd]

5. Same here, as far as I know, I've never had it.

I mean really, how do you know that it wasn't just something you ate or some other type of virus (there's millions of them). But the full fledge flu of the year, I'm with you, how would you know?

[ogradda]

10. it's what i call projectal vomiting

like your toenails are literally going to come up. aches like your whole body's been beaten. chills and fever are horrible. and constant diarrea i would be on the toilet even sleeping there! with one of those 30 gallon garbage bags for when i puked - it's unbelievable how sick you are.

[chelsea0011]

6. I haven't had a rough Flu in about 30 years

but Christ was I sick.

[ogradda]

8. you know when you have the flu

i've had it twice - and i always get a flu shot now. not this year tho. since i'm in a low risk group i'll probably survive if i get it but it's no treat believe me hopefully we will have a mild flu season.

[Misunderestimator]

9. About 14 years ago... and before that only a couple of mild cases

as a kid.

[RollergirlVT]

11. 1992???

I'm one of those weird people that pretty much never gets sick. Don't hate me.

[MuseRider]

12. 2 years ago that turned into

pneumonia. Second time for that scenario. I need a flu shot, I am on immunosuppressants but it looks iffy. I think I will just take a chance this year.

[bikebloke]

13. Mid-80's

It went through me in twenty-four hours. Those fever dreams were something.

[SarahB]

15. 4 years ago

[HEyHEY]

16. I had a nasty one a few years back

Terrible cold chills, hot flashes....eeee I don't even like to think about it.

But I still have never had a flu shot.

[IcyPeas]

17. 1981-ish

First and last time so far was when I was 24. I remember my leg muscles hurt so much I thought I was dying -- I really had no idea what was wrong with me til the doctor told me I had the flu....

I hope all who need the shot can get it, because having the flu is not fun -- I can't even imagine feeling like that plus being elderly... that's got to be frightening....

[ScreamingMeemie]

18. Christmas 2000...and it was horrible. The kind of puking that makes

your ribs hurt. Sorry for graphic.

[marigold20]

19. "Real" flu in college years ago

High fever, severe body aches, painful neck and back, delirium, just awful. It lasted for a week, and I didn't feel right for another week after that. I shudder to remember how awful I felt at twenty years old. If I get it this year, I'll probably feel worse, which is impossible!!

[put out]

20. A year and a half ago.

At the very end of the flu season I got some f*cking "B" strain which I guess wasn't in the flu vaccine, or my immunity ran out (shot in October, flu in February).

At 1030 on a Sunday I had been up for hours and laid down to watch TV and nap. At 1230 I woke with a fever of 103.7. Even with max doses of ibuprofen, the fever never went below 100. This lasted for two weeks. I had to ask my mate to watch me take a shower; I was afraid I would pass out or fall and get hurt. Not very sexy. My body hurt down to my bones and even my scalp ached. My lungs burned, my eyes burned. I threw away my sheets when I started to feel better.

I am afraid for this season. I am a nurse and I can't get a shot. I hope some of you can. Influenza is utter and prolonged misery.