Flu symptoms

So I’m reading Professor Bradaric, and his advice is clear: don't even think about hitting the sauna while you're sick or even right after recovering from the flu. The human body is designed to self-regulate at around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, which is enough to keep viruses in check. If a virus has already taken hold, stepping into a sauna will just make things worse by making breathing more difficult.

The medical guidelines here are also pretty blunt—using a sauna when dealing with the flu is dangerous. The constant shifting between extreme heat and cold can wreck an already compromised system. Your body will just crash.

nimblemoose2 said:This flu has been kicking my butt for a few days now. I don't start work until Wednesday, so I’m hoping I can pull myself together by then.

I'm definitely feeling better than I did on day one, though I've been losing my lunch constantly with nothing but some lemon and orange helping.

Do you think hitting the sauna would help break this fever, or would it backfire and just drain my energy even more instead of helping?

nimblemoose2 said:Looking at these replies now, there’s nothing left to convince me regarding those links. In the end, I didn't go because I don't think I could handle sitting through four or five standard 15-minute sessions.

Yesterday, the LOM-ovka told me that based on these symptoms, it isn't even a typical virus for her, let alone the flu—just a slightly heavy cold.

As if I’d want to go back with other people, even just to get something done. I have a two-hour reservation and that's it. Besides, all sorts of people show up—unwashed, dirty, wearing slippers, with manicured nails, carrying water bottles, and no towels.

I go often, but it's more important to go when I'm not feeling well, like when my sinuses are acting up; I clear them out with a menthol combo and feel better.

I am vaccinated, so where did you even get the idea otherwise? And I certainly don't spit in the sauna like some peasant; I bring a towel to cover the area where I sit and where I put my feet, then I rinse my nose once I step into the bathroom.

I believe I’ll be feeling brand new tomorrow. I’m heading there before work since I work the third shift; I don't want to show up with a stuffed nose and act like an idiot every hour, running to the restroom like a drunk.

Grace Davis77 said:There is absolutely no way that was just a standard case of the flu; her clinical presentation was far more severe and, without a doubt, lasted much longer than typical. Regardless of which specific virus was actually at play here, we all need to be diligent about protecting ourselves and those around us.
Regarding this other situation with sick leave—even my own doctor insists that patients show up in person, which usually results in waiting for hours on end. Even after being discharged from the hospital, she requires a personal follow-up within 24 hours :@ and then, more often than not, you have to go back in twice a week until the medical leave is officially closed out, no matter what the diagnosis is :-SS

boldnomad45 said:So I’m reading Professor Bradaric, and his advice is clear: don't even think about hitting the sauna while you're sick or even right after recovering from the flu. The human body is designed to self-regulate at around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, which is enough to keep viruses in check. If a virus has already taken hold, stepping into a sauna will just make things worse by making breathing more difficult.

The medical guidelines here are also pretty blunt—using a sauna when dealing with the flu is dangerous. The constant shifting between extreme heat and cold can wreck an already compromised system. Your body will just crash.

1.) They claim it's the flu (though we usually expect someone to know the difference between the flu and a standard virus or a common cold).

2.) They aren't looking to be convinced because they've already made up their mind based on an advertisement. By the way, most of this discussion is about a cold. People talk about home saunas too, suggesting they are good for prevention.

Then it turns out they don't actually have the flu.

And apparently, it doesn't matter to them anyway...

By the way, if you're dealing with sinus issues (like I am), just buy a home inhaler. It’s a great tool and really helps.

Class discussion...
The difference between the flu and a common cold (or just those minor viral bugs that come with a slight fever instead of full-blown influenza)...

(P.S. I think we can all agree that the sources provided for the info above are perfectly reliable.)

Henry Hernandez68 said:Is it actually normal for a primary care doctor to insist you show up in person just to get a sick note for the flu?

The guy was hit with a 102 fever yesterday afternoon—muscle aches, killer headache, the whole classic flu experience. We were trying everything to bring the temperature down, but by this morning, it had spiked right back up. He can barely even stand; he looks like death warmed over. He calls the doctor around 7:30 AM, and they tell him it’s probably the flu and they’ll write him a sick note, but then the nurse jumps in and says, "Nope, nothing can be done over the phone, the doctor has to see him first." So now, he had to trek out there while being incredibly contagious. We sat there waiting for maybe 45 minutes because he didn't have an appointment, and honestly, he probably infected half the waiting room, including me since I had to go with him. He was so weak, and it was just brutal watching him struggle to stay upright with a massive fever just so a doctor could spend two measly minutes signing a piece of paper.😕

I really don't get this approach. Whenever I'm sick, I always head over and wait outside the door if I'm not working, because I know the nurse is always going to say you have to come in. But this is the flu! The person is a walking contagion! It's obvious that because they have to deal with all the people who are faking it, the ones who are actually suffering end up getting punished for it.🙂

That is honestly just pathetic and low; you really ought to find a new doctor.

Henry Hernandez68 said:Is it actually normal for a primary care doctor to insist you show up in person just to get a sick note for the flu?

The guy was hit with a 102 fever yesterday afternoon—muscle aches, killer headache, the whole classic flu experience. We were trying everything to bring the temperature down, but by this morning, it had spiked right back up. He can barely even stand; he looks like death warmed over. He calls the doctor around 7:30 AM, and they tell him it’s probably the flu and they’ll write him a sick note, but then the nurse jumps in and says, "Nope, nothing can be done over the phone, the doctor has to see him first." So now, he had to trek out there while being incredibly contagious. We sat there waiting for maybe 45 minutes because he didn't have an appointment, and honestly, he probably infected half the waiting room, including me since I had to go with him. He was so weak, and it was just brutal watching him struggle to stay upright with a massive fever just so a doctor could spend two measly minutes signing a piece of paper.😕

I really don't get this approach. Whenever I'm sick, I always head over and wait outside the door if I'm not working, because I know the nurse is always going to say you have to come in. But this is the flu! The person is a walking contagion! It's obvious that because they have to deal with all the people who are faking it, the ones who are actually suffering end up getting punished for it.🙂

Look, most doctors hold themselves in such high regard compared to regular folks, and honestly, both the doctors and the patients share a lot of the blame for that. When people go to see a doctor, they tend to act so subservient, treating them like some kind of sacred figure or a high-ranking government official. This sense of humility from the patient often just fuels the arrogance of doctors and medical staff in general.

So, what kind of relationship should you actually have with your doctor?
What shakes a doctor the most is the realization that their patient might actually be smarter or more informed than they are. Once that happens, the dynamic flips 180 degrees; suddenly, the doctor becomes cooperative, starts collaborating, and might even ask for your opinion or advice. The key is to create the impression that you are, well, on their level or perhaps even a step above.

For instance, I’m practically never sick—maybe a couple of days of minor colds or viruses a year, maybe even less, but that’s beside the point. I’ll call, tell them when I fell ill, call again later to say I’m feeling okay, and then arrange a time to swing by for the paperwork. I’m fairly convinced that in a few years, everything will be fully digitized and we won't even need to set foot in the health clinic at all.

Nicholas Davis4 said:1.) They claim it's the flu (though we usually expect someone to know the difference between the flu and a standard virus or a common cold).

2.) They aren't looking to be convinced because they've already made up their mind based on an advertisement. By the way, most of this discussion is about a cold. People talk about home saunas too, suggesting they are good for prevention.

Then it turns out they don't actually have the flu.

And apparently, it doesn't matter to them anyway...

By the way, if you're dealing with sinus issues (like I am), just buy a home inhaler. It’s a great tool and really helps.

That first day when I told them I had the flu was the worst. I stayed in bed, then went to see the specialist the next day, only to be told it wasn't the flu because that would last much longer. All I got was some nasal spray.

I went to the sauna today and feel like a new man. I booked a session and it was pure bliss.

What do I know about the difference between the flu and a regular virus?

I provided the first links I could find; there are plenty more. Not a single other link or study mentioned here has convinced me why on earth I shouldn't go to the sauna.

And that's what I was trying to get convinced about today.

Man, what absolute nonsense to even ask about this in a PM...☕

nimblemoose2 said:That first day when I told them I had the flu was the worst. I stayed in bed, then went to see the specialist the next day, only to be told it wasn't the flu because that would last much longer. All I got was some nasal spray.

I went to the sauna today and feel like a new man. I booked a session and it was pure bliss.

What do I know about the difference between the flu and a regular virus?

I provided the first links I could find; there are plenty more. Not a single other link or study mentioned here has convinced me why on earth I shouldn't go to the sauna.

And that's what I was trying to get convinced about today.

Man, what absolute nonsense to even ask about this in a PM...☕

Come on, don't be such a snowflake..
We just gave you a little reality check about trying to push through the flu...
I simply suggested looking into actual medical literature instead of just trusting a commercial. If you're really hunting for something serious, look there.
Besides, nobody wants to sit next to someone with a runny nose, so you basically just got the same treatment anyone else would have received.

Look at the bright side... now you know the difference.
Plus, you might actually end up helping someone else.

In the end, you can view it as a good deed.

Nicholas Davis4 said:Come on, don't be such a snowflake..
We just gave you a little reality check about trying to push through the flu...
I simply suggested looking into actual medical literature instead of just trusting a commercial. If you're really hunting for something serious, look there.
Besides, nobody wants to sit next to someone with a runny nose, so you basically just got the same treatment anyone else would have received.

Look at the bright side... now you know the difference.
Plus, you might actually end up helping someone else.

In the end, you can view it as a good deed.

First off, maybe tone down the ad hominem attacks. You conveniently cherry-picked my post; I clearly explained why I thought it was the flu because the first day was brutal...

Feel free to clean your own house and hand out advice to whoever you want. My focus was strictly on whether this is actually useful or if it could backfire by overtaxing the body.

And why did you fixate on that one link selling saunas? You completely ignored the other one from Quora. Here is another one where even the former Secretary of Health, Milinovic, recommends it. It seems he might have some connection to that company too...

There are plenty of people who wouldn't step foot in a sauna unless they were dealing with a cold or sinus congestion, so I really don't care what you think about where I should spend my time when I'm sick...

I certainly won't be lying at home for seven days straight; I'm going to find every effective solution available.

Oh yeah, real genius right here. If you're out there spreading the flu like confetti... honestly, being that selfish is next level. Like, "oops, I accidentally infected someone and now they've kicked the bucket, but whatever, not my problem." Real classy.

Does anyone actually read my posts until the end? I made it perfectly clear that I booked a private sauna and didn't use a public one. It turns out I didn't have the flu if you believe the LOM-ovka; it was likely just a heavy cold or maybe a minor virus.

nimblemoose2 said:Does anyone actually read my posts until the end? I made it perfectly clear that I booked a private sauna and didn't use a public one. It turns out I didn't have the flu if you believe the LOM-ovka; it was likely just a heavy cold or maybe a minor virus.

Calm down. You're the only one losing your temper here.☕ People tried to explain themselves to you. You might have been misunderstood, but clearly, your nerves are shot.

I had the actual flu, and despite dealing with two autoimmune diseases, nothing major knocked me sideways. I didn't even get vaccinated because I don't consider it reliable protection. Especially since I know several people who got the shot only to have the flu walk right through their front door.

Henry Hernandez68 said:Is it actually normal for a primary care doctor to insist you show up in person just to get a sick note for the flu?

The guy was hit with a 102 fever yesterday afternoon—muscle aches, killer headache, the whole classic flu experience. We were trying everything to bring the temperature down, but by this morning, it had spiked right back up. He can barely even stand; he looks like death warmed over. He calls the doctor around 7:30 AM, and they tell him it’s probably the flu and they’ll write him a sick note, but then the nurse jumps in and says, "Nope, nothing can be done over the phone, the doctor has to see him first." So now, he had to trek out there while being incredibly contagious. We sat there waiting for maybe 45 minutes because he didn't have an appointment, and honestly, he probably infected half the waiting room, including me since I had to go with him. He was so weak, and it was just brutal watching him struggle to stay upright with a massive fever just so a doctor could spend two measly minutes signing a piece of paper.😕

I really don't get this approach. Whenever I'm sick, I always head over and wait outside the door if I'm not working, because I know the nurse is always going to say you have to come in. But this is the flu! The person is a walking contagion! It's obvious that because they have to deal with all the people who are faking it, the ones who are actually suffering end up getting punished for it.🙂

Man. This needs to be reported. This doctor is putting everyone in the waiting room—and the patients themselves—at risk.

Maria Kern71 said:Calm down. You're the only one losing your temper here.☕ People tried to explain themselves to you. You might have been misunderstood, but clearly, your nerves are shot.

I had the actual flu, and despite dealing with two autoimmune diseases, nothing major knocked me sideways. I didn't even get vaccinated because I don't consider it reliable protection. Especially since I know several people who got the shot only to have the flu walk right through their front door.

I know a few people who wore helmets while riding motorcycles and still ended up dying anyway. That’s why I don't consider a helmet to be foolproof protection...🙄

The hospitals are absolutely packed with people who didn't get vaccinated.

So, what’s the deal with giving the flu vaccine to heart patients?

Brandon Newman95 said:So, what’s the deal with giving the flu vaccine to heart patients?

You really ought to check in with a cardiologist first—though, generally speaking, it is highly recommended.

Nicole James said:You really ought to check in with a cardiologist first—though, generally speaking, it is highly recommended.

I wasn't even thinking about doing anything without checking with a cardiologist first,, but we could just have a general discussion here. Are you still in the hospital?

Hmm, I remember just once when I was a kid, they used to try and break my fever by pressing cold sheets against me. Back then, I ran a fever for five straight days.
Later on, I never bothered taking Advil during the flu. Usually, the fever lasts maybe one or two nights at most, and even then, it’s only after a massive spike—like hitting 103 degrees Fahrenheit. By the next day, it's gone.
Isn't it actually an established fact that for healthy people, you shouldn't be suppressing a fever unless it hits 104°F? (Or maybe 103°F?) Isn't that how you trigger a more aggressive immune response?

Karen Sanchez19 said:Hmm, I remember just once when I was a kid, they used to try and break my fever by pressing cold sheets against me. Back then, I ran a fever for five straight days.
Later on, I never bothered taking Advil during the flu. Usually, the fever lasts maybe one or two nights at most, and even then, it’s only after a massive spike—like hitting 103 degrees Fahrenheit. By the next day, it's gone.
Isn't it actually an established fact that for healthy people, you shouldn't be suppressing a fever unless it hits 104°F? (Or maybe 103°F?) Isn't that how you trigger a more aggressive immune response?

A fever is just the immune system doing its job.
People try to kill a fever for three reasons: they're soft, they want to go to work and infect everyone else, or they simply aren't educated.

Bradley Nelson2 said:A fever is just the immune system doing its job.
People try to kill a fever for three reasons: they're soft, they want to go to work and infect everyone else, or they simply aren't educated.

And I bet they've seen a DayQuil commercial at least 256 times by now.😁 🤦
Honestly, I suspect a fever might even trigger interferon production based on certain studies—it seems to activate it and stuff like that.

Karen Sanchez19 said:Hmm, I remember just once when I was a kid, they used to try and break my fever by pressing cold sheets against me. Back then, I ran a fever for five straight days.
Later on, I never bothered taking Advil during the flu. Usually, the fever lasts maybe one or two nights at most, and even then, it’s only after a massive spike—like hitting 103 degrees Fahrenheit. By the next day, it's gone.
Isn't it actually an established fact that for healthy people, you shouldn't be suppressing a fever unless it hits 104°F? (Or maybe 103°F?) Isn't that how you trigger a more aggressive immune response?

I personally think you shouldn't bother bringing a fever down if it stays under 100.4°F. Once it hits 104°F, though, that's getting pretty serious.

BTW—that one or two night thing you mentioned is likely just some minor virus. The actual flu usually drags on for at least a week.

Nicole James said:I personally think you shouldn't bother bringing a fever down if it stays under 100.4°F. Once it hits 104°F, though, that's getting pretty serious.

BTW—that one or two night thing you mentioned is likely just some minor virus. The actual flu usually drags on for at least a week.

With the flu, a high fever—anything north of 102—NEVER lasts seven days straight unless there's a secondary infection setting in. Usually, it's just 2 or 3 days before the fever breaks and drops significantly.

I have never once sat with a 102+ fever for seven days straight.

Instead, look at me right now:

Everything aches, I feel completely drained, and even walking up a flight of stairs feels like a marathon, yet my temperature has hovered at a measly 99.5°F for two days. My nose and throat are perfectly clear, and there's no cough. Hmm...