SCI-Nurse: Help with Flu/Congestion/Wheezing

LaMemChose · 12-29-2007, 11:44 AM

I'm surviving the flu I got about a week ago. It seems I might be over the worst of the fever, chills, headache, body aches, sore throat, but now I have big time chest congestion. I awakened this a.m. to wheezing and sounding funky when I breathe.

I'm taking Mucinex and getting hot showers to try and relieve the crud in my chest, but it's still there.

Do I need an antibiotic? I have an inhaler for asthma and have started using it for the wheezing, but I'm worried it's not enough to clear the gunk in my lungs.

Suggestions and advice appreciated in advance.

SCI-Nurse · 12-29-2007, 12:45 PM

You will need to see your physician. You could have bronchitis or even pneumonia (although the latter would usually be accompanied by a fever). An inhaler may help with the wheezing if you already use one, but the fact that you already have asthma makes you more at risk for bronchitis. If your sputum is green or yellow, you may have a bacterial infection that needs antibiotics too. Staying well hydrated (lots of fluids) and lots of quad coughing will also help.

Next year I hope you will get a flu shot early!

(KLD)

LaMemChose · 12-29-2007, 02:21 PM

Thanks KLD. I'll call my doc in the a.m. What's in my nose and occasionally coming up is yellow. I disgust myself. Ugh.

I got my flu shot in November. How long does it take for the it to be effective in preventing flu?

Liz321 · 12-29-2007, 03:28 PM

mend quick!

sjean423 · 12-29-2007, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaMemChose

I got my flu shot in November. How long does it take for the it to be effective in preventing flu?

That is plenty early. I guess you just lucked into a different cariety of flu bug! Heal SOon!

SCI-Nurse · 12-29-2007, 04:38 PM

2-3 weeks for a flu shot to develop full strength.

(KLD)

anty · 12-29-2007, 05:40 PM

Feel better

anty

Cherry · 12-29-2007, 05:59 PM

Get well soon Mary-Ellen. This is my first [and hopefully last] flu experience, with Christmas day being the worst of it and I sympathise - IT BLOWS.

If you can get your hands on some menthol crystals, sprinkle a few in a bowl and inhale for a bit, towel-over-head stylee. Might help your chest, really eased things for me.

Had my 2nd ever flu shot this Winter. Didn't work, but never again anyway - do you know what they put in those things?

From an email -

Quote:

Ingredients in the FLU SHOT:

* Ethylene glycol (antifreeze)

* Phenol, also known as carbolic acid (this is used as a disinfectant, dye)

* Formaldehyde, a known cancer-causing agent

* Aluminum, which is associated with Alzheimer's disease and seizures and also cancer producing in laboratory mice (it is used as an additive to promote antibody response)

* Thimerosal (a mercury disinfectant/preservative) can result in brain injury and autoimmune disease

* Neomycin and Streptomycin (used as antibiotics) have caused allergic reaction in some people

LaMemChose · 12-29-2007, 06:00 PM

Well, I'm just frustrated about having this when I got the shot over a month ago.

Thanks MissLiz, SJean and Anty.

When I'm sick is about the only time I throw a pity fest, but so far I've yet to pass around party hats and horns. I'll let you know if this has me hosting a germy woe is me gala.

LaMemChose · 12-29-2007, 06:03 PM

Oh, my. You, too? Feel better soon, Jen.

(I can hug you 'cause you're sick, too.)

All of those things are in flu shots?

12-29-2007, 11:44 AM	#1
LaMemChose Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 10,936	SCI-Nurse: Help with Flu/Congestion/Wheezing I'm surviving the flu I got about a week ago. It seems I might be over the worst of the fever, chills, headache, body aches, sore throat, but now I have big time chest congestion. I awakened this a.m. to wheezing and sounding funky when I breathe. I'm taking Mucinex and getting hot showers to try and relieve the crud in my chest, but it's still there. Do I need an antibiotic? I have an inhaler for asthma and have started using it for the wheezing, but I'm worried it's not enough to clear the gunk in my lungs. Suggestions and advice appreciated in advance.

12-29-2007, 03:28 PM	#4
Liz321 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: NY Posts: 5,582	mend quick! __________________ Get involved in politics as if your life depended on it, because it does. -- Justin Dart I shall not tolerate ignorance or hate speech on this site.

12-29-2007, 05:40 PM	#7
anty Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: PA Posts: 2,083	Feel better anty __________________ For every minute you're angry you lose a second of happiness

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
relationship re:SCI & thyroid	franroty	Care	4	12-02-2001 07:04 AM

12-29-2007, 12:45 PM	#2
SCI-Nurse Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: USA Posts: 41,331	You will need to see your physician. You could have bronchitis or even pneumonia (although the latter would usually be accompanied by a fever). An inhaler may help with the wheezing if you already use one, but the fact that you already have asthma makes you more at risk for bronchitis. If your sputum is green or yellow, you may have a bacterial infection that needs antibiotics too. Staying well hydrated (lots of fluids) and lots of quad coughing will also help. Next year I hope you will get a flu shot early! (KLD)

12-29-2007, 02:21 PM	#3
LaMemChose Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 10,936	Thanks KLD. I'll call my doc in the a.m. What's in my nose and occasionally coming up is yellow. I disgust myself. Ugh. I got my flu shot in November. How long does it take for the it to be effective in preventing flu?

12-29-2007, 04:38 PM	#6
SCI-Nurse Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: USA Posts: 41,331	2-3 weeks for a flu shot to develop full strength. (KLD)

12-29-2007, 06:00 PM	#9
LaMemChose Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 10,936	Well, I'm just frustrated about having this when I got the shot over a month ago. Thanks MissLiz, SJean and Anty. When I'm sick is about the only time I throw a pity fest, but so far I've yet to pass around party hats and horns. I'll let you know if this has me hosting a germy woe is me gala.

12-29-2007, 06:03 PM	#10
LaMemChose Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 10,936	Oh, my. You, too? Feel better soon, Jen. (I can hug you 'cause you're sick, too.) All of those things are in flu shots?