Flu Advice Please Sqad

[Ann]

Hi Sqad (or anyone else willing to advise please) My husband has this awful viral flu which we assume to be the same strain as the current one sweeping the country (A H3) against which this season's flu jab it is reported to be ineffective. He has been more ill than I've ever known him to be (he's usually very healthy) he has had the job lot - severe head cold, catarrah, hacking cough, sore throat, hoarseness, shivers and shakes, hot flushes, weakness, tiredness,sinus problems with headache, and a deafness in one ear.

I rang the doctor, mainly as I was worried that it may turn to pneumonia and he has had a heart attack 10 years ago, but the doc was unable to advise anything - other than to just to sit it out and take plenty of fluids and on hearing the concoction of medicines he was having - said to continue. He has tried Vick in steam inhaler, Hot lemon powders with added paracetemol, cough medicine (simple linctus) and home made honey, glycerin and lemon juice - not all taken at the same time! A few days ago a pharmacist advised the new cough medicine Benylin "Night" to stop the night coughing - and told him he couldn't give anything stronger due to OH taking Ramipril and Atenelol BP tablets. He appeared to be getting a little better after 10 days but then it all came back again - worse! Now he is improving again slowly, his cough is looser and not so frequent, but he is very listless and can't get comfortable in the night and his nose and ear are still blocked. This afternoon he is complaining of feeling dizzy - vertigo due to sinus blocking ears do you think?

What can we do to alleviate the symptoms, should I insist he visits the doctor (but will be a miracle if he can get an appointment in the next two weeks) Should I let him be examined or is it safe to just be patient until he is better? I would really value your advice please Sqad, thanks :)

[saintpeter48]

You don't say old your husband is, I am 67 and had the same symptoms about 6 weeks ago, (I also had heart attack 7 years ago), I tried most things that you listed, it has just about cleared up now! Sqad advised me to let it run its course and said it would take about 3 weeks to clear. There really is not a lot more you can do. Hope he gets better soon.

[Sqad]

\\\Now he is improving again slowly\\\

That i think is the most important fact that you have mentioned and would indicate that a medical examination is not necessary at this stage.

Your post is most accurate and truly helpful indicating a correct diagnosis of influenza and all the recommended procedures to be undertaken.

A nasal decongestant such as Sinex would certainly help clearing his nose and associated sinuses and Ibuprofen 400mgs particularly at night...even with the Benylin Night.

Yes....be patient, monitor the situation and reassess his improvement in 48 hours.

[Ann]

Thanks Peter - he is also 67 and more co-incidences! Are you sure you are not my OH posting from downstairs on another computer! LOL :)

[boxtops]

I don't know how it would go with his existing medication, but OH and I swear by Beechams all In One - it really does the trick for us, to reduce symptoms. The liquid form, not the tablets/capsules.

[Ann]

Ah bless you Sqad, you are a great asset to this site, replying so quickly, thanks.

Yes he is using Sinex which helps a bit, but he's only taking Paracetemol, he has always been under the impression he can't take Ibuprofen with his BP tablets? Maybe that is incorrect then, if so, is Ibuprofen better to take in this instance?
Is the Vertigo anything to be concerned about?

[Ann]

Thanks Boxy - he has tried Beechams and Hot lemon powders but I'm worried as he's been taking this kind of medication for 3 weeks now, isn't that too long?

[boxtops]

The All in One has a decongestant as well as paracetamol, we find it really good. Have a look at it. http://www.beechams.co.uk/our-range/all-in-one/#liquid

[Sqad]

As you know.........i favour Ibuprofen (even though he is taking BP tablets) 400mgs 4-6 hourly.

[Ann]

Thanks Sqad I will trust your judgement then and give him those - will it relieve the vertigo symptoms?

[Ann]

Thanks Boxy - have looked at the pic, never tried that particular one before, may go and buy some tomorrow for him, thanks for advice :)

[Sqad]

\\\\will it relieve the vertigo symptoms?\\\

We shall see ;-)

[mazie]

So sorry to hear your OH is suffering Ann. My Son has had 3 ops for Sinus problems and still suffers. His consultant told him to use this to ease the problem. Sqad will suggest if this is helpful or not.

"Making a Sinus Irrigation Solution
With its cleaning and bacteria-bashing powers, sodium chloride, more commonly known as salt, is the essential ingredient in a sinus irrigation solution. However, many add sodium bicarbonate, more commonly known as baking soda, to the mix as well in order to lessen the sting. Melissa Pynnonen, M.D., of the University of Michigan recommends using 1/4 tsp. of each dissolved in 8 oz. of distilled water, to be used once or twice a day. Look at the ingredients of a commercial packet of sinus rinse powder and you'll find sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate. There's no need to spend money on prepackaged powders unless you value the convenience."

[saintpeter48]

Can you bring me a cuppa please!!! :)

[Peter Pedant]

.

we have had this in the fambly and TWO ( myself and sister in law) have specifically said -
I feel as tho I am at sea.....

I concluded that it was the flu virus thing and we should wait and see.

it went

[Sqad]

mazie.......sounds good for the treatment of sinusitis by sinus irrigation, but a bit OTT for someone with the flu.

[Ann]

Thanks Mazie - wonder if the salt irrigation may clear the deaf ear problem though? and that in turn may help the balance problem or Vertigo? He is desperate to try anything as he's totally fed up and got an important meeting tomorrow.

[mazie]

It really worked for the Son Ann, just get OH to sniff it up his nose. Can't hurt...Let us now how he gets on... xxx