A nasty cold that leaves people feeling ill for days or even weeks is sweeping the UK with people reporting feeling ‘bloody awful’. People across the country are reporting symptoms of fever, headaches, blocked noses, coughs, and fatigue.
Some have reported testing negative for Covid while others have said it is almost like flu, but not flu.
One person took to Reddit to say: “Just coming off the back end of a brutal cold that’s lasted about three weeks, during which my sinuses have been almost completely closed, relaxing only for brief periods while also producing mucus at an alarming rate.”
They added: “Emerging from my bed this morning, I could breathe through my nose again. I could smell things. It still feels like somebody poured Ready Brek into the back of my face, but it’s finally over and life is beautiful again.”
Another user agreed, saying: “I’m just emerging from it now. Bloody awful, almost like flu.” And one more said: “I caught it in October, I was bedridden for days and then spent another week housebound, constantly looking at my phone to see if it had been 4 hours since my last dose of paracetamol. I’m assuming it’s a Covid variant that isn’t picked up by the tests, it was worse than any winter bug I’d had before 2020.”
A person said: “It’s been a total b****rd, had me in bed for a couple of days and feeling s**t for a couple of weeks now. I can totally recommend Otrivine nasal spray for the blocked nose/sinus bit though.”
One said: “Currently on day 5 of it. Feel absolutely lousy. So much mucus it’s ridiculous. Already feeling anxious about having to call in sick again tomorrow but I refuse to go back to work until I’m well enough.
“Won’t get thanked for going in and certainly won’t get thanked by colleagues if I spread this around. Just hoping I’m all clear for Christmas. Get well soon everyone.”
People took to X to talk about the illness – one said: “Good morning Beauts, it’s getting harder to get out of bed but needs must. Still got the dreaded lurgy so not feeling 100%.” Another added: “How it started vs how it is going. I had my combined Covid/ flu vaccine yesterday and already had a touch of the lurgy. Now I have full blown girl flu and feel dreadful.”
A sick X user said: “Got the lurgy second time in 2 weeks.” Another moaned: “Got the lurgy. Nasty lurgy. Can’t breathe, no sleep, pounding head. Can’t stay in bed as I’ve a funeral. And it’s my day off. And it’s a burial.”
Trying to get some help, another user added: “I just got ID’d buying paracetamol, this never ending lurgy is clearly the key to de-ageing.” An X user asked: “Has anyone else got this vile lurgy of head/chest cold with industrial strength mucus?”
Dot said: “so everyone is getting that lurgy?” A long sufferer added: “I’ve been under the weather for 10 days now although this is the first morning I have not woken up with a hacking cough and a yellow/green torrent of snot and phlegm – like something out of The Exorcist.”
The NHS says symptoms include a cough – you may bring up mucus (phlegm), sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, a sore throat, headaches, muscle aches, breathlessness, tight chest or wheezing, a high temperature and feeling generally unwell.
A pharmacist can suggest treatments to help relieve your symptoms, such as decongestants and nasal sprays. The NHS says people can also buy cough medicines and throat lozenges, ‘although there’s little evidence to show they help’.
NHS advice of things you can do yourself:
- get plenty of rest
- drink lots of water to loosen any mucus and make it easier to cough up
- drink a hot lemon and honey drink to help soothe a cough (not suitable for babies under 1 year old)
- gargle with warm salty water if you have a sore throat (children should not try this)
- raise your head up while sleeping using extra pillows to make breathing easier and clear your chest of mucus
- use painkillers to bring down a fever and help ease a sore throat, headaches and muscle pain
But whatever you do:
- do not let children breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water as there’s a risk of scalding
- do not give aspirin to children under 16
- do not smoke – it can make your symptoms worse
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
