Flu outbreak?

[drz]

How many have flu outbreaks in their area? It seems most states have some outbreaks. Locally our hospitals, nursing homes etc have visitor restrictions. Our assisted living facility is in a shut down for any scheduled social activities and things like room cleaning are suspended. Our adjoining nursing home has around 10 cases of flu with one death possibly related to the flu which is uncertain since the nursing home section usually has a one or two deaths most months from various causes.

Since my sinus infection I have had excess mucous running down the back of my throat and it has caused a sore throat and lately non-productive cough. I seem to have recovered from the sinus infection which was treated with antibiotics but the sore throat came back a week or two later. When I check out symptoms of respiratory flu, they sound very similar to a Weg flare with exception of a higher fever but so far I have no other symptoms of concern. I am hoping I have cold even though Jack said with Wegs there is no such things as "just a cold". since the clinics are full of people with the flu I want to try avoid going in to get it diagnosed since the the screening techniques are not real valid either.

When they talk about people vulnerable to complications from a flu I have the feeling those of us with Weg damage to lungs, sinuses, kidney etc must be in this list too. Back when I just had diabetes they always insisted on flu shots for me given my higher risk of complications due to a poor immune system. My Wegs certainly must have increased my risks. Right?

Does anyone else feel at higher risk now from current flu outbreaks? Has anyone had any schools close by them? I read of one school in neighboring state that had half it students missing which seems to warrant a closing in my book. What extra precautions are you taking? I am skipping some social events in large crowds and eating at potluck events.

[Dirty Don]

I feel at a higher risk for almost everything! LOL! I did receive a flu shot this year, no problems so far. Docs have said that I can go out in public, etc., but that I should take some precautions such as washing hands more, avoiding those coughing, etc. I don't have kids around, so not much to fear there although I've been around grandkids when they've been sniffling, and have not gotten anything. I did get bronchitis last winter, took the usuals after my WG panic over being sick, and got well within 2 weeks. Basically, we can do most anything in public we want, but we do have to take extra precautions just because we are who we are! So, no, am not overly worried about the flu, but then again, I don't over expose myself to such if I can manage it. WG paranoia I guess................

[renidrag]

Health alert emergency called in Boston. Hospitals are full and ER's are extremely stretched to the limit. I agree we the lucky weggies are definitely at risk. I too am staying away from crowds, and have put off visiting my Aunt at assisted living until
I feel safe. Best regards and please be careful.
Dale

[carriej22]

Everyone is sick in my town... ugh.

All kinds, flu types (chills, aches, fever, sore throat), sinus types, stomach bug barfing types.. I already had two different bugs since the beginning of December and still trying to kick the cough from the most recent one.

I can deal with all sorts of things, but if I have to puke I am going to freak out.

[pberggren1]

All of Canada is in outbreak status for Influenza A and Noro Virus.

[Psyborg]

Everyone around me at work has had the flu it seems like. Weirdly I've managed to avoid it thus far. Seems counter-intuitive. Only thing I can guess is that it's due to heavy hand washing lol.

We had a death in the state of a 22 year old young lady from this flu. Odd to be someone so young and seemingly healthy.

[drz]

Our local paper just reported there are 900 people in hospitals statewide at present. There have been five deaths so far where flu is listed as cause of death. I wonder about all the other cases where is was just another problem or the straw that broke the camels back and contributed to ones death.

Right now I think I have or am getting bronchitis and am debating about whether to go seek an antibiotic. I like to use them as sparingly as possible since there are only a few I can use due to several drug allergies so I tend to put it off til I know there is no alternative. Last time I had to use the Walkin clinic on Thanksgiving Day. I have been advise to use them as little as possible and not just for prevention because of my drug allergies and the fear I might run out of treatment options at a time when it is crucial.

[fuzzy2]

I had it in mid-October. It caught me before I could get a shot. Though the flu lasted a short time, the respiratory illnesses that follow off and on lasted another two months. Local care centers and the hospital discouraged visits, but provided Purell and face masks for those who came. I'm doing fine now, but that was the worst bout of illness I've had in a long time.

[drz]

Just found this on news post:
Flu was widespread in 47 states last week, up from 41 the week before, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday. Many cases may be mild. The only states without widespread flu are California, Mississippi and Hawaii
The hardest hit states dropped to 24 from 29. Those are states where large numbers of people have been treated for flu-like illness. Those with less activity include Florida, Arkansas and South Carolina in South, the first region hit in the current flu season.
Nationally, 20 children have died from the flu. There is no running tally of adult deaths, but the CDC estimates that the flu kills about 24,000 people in an average year. Flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone 6 months or older. Health officials are still recommending vaccinations, even in areas with widespread flu reports.
Nearly 130 million doses of flu vaccine were distributed this year, and at least 112 million have been used, according to CDC officials. Vaccine is still available, but supplies may have run low in some locations, health officials say.
Also on Friday, CDC officials said a recent study of more than 1,100 people has concluded the current flu vaccine is 62 percent effective. That's in line with how effective the vaccine has been in other years.
The flu vaccine is reformulated each year, and officials say this year's version is a good match to the viruses going around. Flu usually peaks in midwinter. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, head and body aches and fatigue. Some people also suffer vomiting and diarrhea, and some develop pneumonia or other severe complications.
Most people with flu have a mild illness. But people with severe symptoms should see a doctor. They may be given antiviral drugs or other medications to ease symptoms.

[Debbie C]

I didn't get the shot, I'm afraid to actually. I don't really go out in crowds and when I do go out I am pretty cautious and I always am washing my hands or using santizer. Since the weather has been cold I always have a scarf around my coat so if someone starts coughing around me I just cover my mouth, because alot of people don't. It is scary...can't wait till this all passes and life is " normal " again.HA HA

[Dirty Don]

Odd to be someone so young and seemingly healthy.

Not being critical Bob, but that's an odd statement coming from a Weggie!!!! LOL!...all things considered of course! Hehe!

[Dirty Don]

I didn't get the shot, I'm afraid to actually....can't wait till this all passes and life is " normal " again.HA HA

You are toooooo funny Deb. Actually, no need to fear a flu shot with the dead virus...that's usually the one by injection, no nasal-that's a live virus. And how long are you willing to wait for this to pass and normality to return?! LOL! You MUST be a patient person!! Just kidding...need more coffee!!!

[Debbie C]

Don, I know I should get that the shot but I'm afraid I'll get the effects of the flu anyway..it is known to happen ! I see" the man " at the Cleveland Clinic monday,I'll see what he says. I wonder how many of us on here have gotten the shot and if they had any effects. That might help me to decide, by then the vaccine will have run out !! And about be being normal ...I know that's not gonna happen..I wasn't even before I got this crud !!!! Take care

[Pete]

Debra,

When I was at CC in October, they gave me my flu shot right then. I've had no ill effects.

[RudiK]

El Paso has a large outbreak just like most other cities. I received my flu shot during my by-monthly visit to my doc in december. So far everything is fine. I'm staying away from crowds, especially small children/babys.

[Sangye]

Just found this on news post:
.
Also on Friday, CDC officials said a recent study of more than 1,100 people has concluded the current flu vaccine is 62 percent effective.

The flu vaccine is reformulated each year, and officials say this year's version is a good match to the viruses going around..

Put those two facts together. Current vaccine is (at best, and in otherwise healthy adults) 62% effective. And this is when the vaccine is a good match to the flu strains people are getting.

Those are terrible odds. And worse: the flu shot contains mercury, multiple antibiotics, formaldehyde, MSG and a pile of other chemicals.

In immune-compromised people the flu shot is (at best) 30% effective. So 30% "protection" but you get filled with harmful chemicals, some of which are known carcinogens and others are known to dysregulate the immune system?

We DO know that vitamin D has been proven to be both preventive for flu and to decrease the severity if you get it. Get your blood levels checked and make sure you're taking enough to stay well in range. Since most people are deficient and it can take awhile to ramp up to normal levels, it's best to get it checked in early fall each year. People who are on prednisone, and/or have an AI disease and/or work indoors are likely to be quite deficient.

[drz]

All my doctors encouraged me to get the flu shot even though they agreed i was less likely to benefit from it because of my age, diabetes, and Wegs but they said any chance of it helping me was worth the risk of any reaction especially since I have always had the shots without having any problems. He said my risk of dying from the flu was much higher than my risk of having any problems from the injection. Made sense to me so i follow their advice.

I some times wonder about if it does any good to get these shots and do all these recommended preventions like monthly pentamidine nebulizer treatments. But my doctor told me when I asked about quitting them that if I got PCP no bookmaker would give me any odds of surviving it with my health history so I gladly go in and do them.

A few months after I got a pneumonia shot a few years ago I came down with pneumonia and made the comment that the shot must not have helped much. The doctor said on the contrary. He said if I had got the type of pneumonia I had been vaccinated for I would most likely be in a hospital, probably the ICU unit. My pneumonia case was a milder form and could be treated as outpatient and maybe the shot had helped make that possible.

Our state has had 27 deaths reported so far from the flu outbreak, one a 14 year old girl that was big news. I am staying in a lot more to try avoid getting it. I did go get an assessment at our Walk In clinic and learned I have bronchitis from a cold but not the flu so far. I got an antibiotic and feeling better already. Feeling tired and coughing from the cold and bronchitis also makes it easy to want to stay home and sleep more too.

I did have my vitamin d levels check to be sure I wasn't over doing my supplements since I read too much Vitamin D can be dangerous. Mine were in safe range so I still take 1000-2000 daily like my doctor recommend. I take it more to try help my calcium absorption and to try prevent bones and teeth from become more brittle from bone loss. i don't know if it helps since annual tests continue to show bone loss but the doctors say it would be worse without taking the extra calcium and Vit D.

Hope everyone stays healthy. They say it is not to late to get a flu shot although the vaccines are scarce in some places.

[Sangye]

Ya gotta love the reasoning medical doctors use to justify the poor efficacy of vaccines. "Yes, you still got sick but it was milder than it would have been." Really? Got any hard evidence of that?

When someone gets a chiropractic adjustment at the beginning of a cold or flu, it's quite likely that the infection will clear right away or at least be much milder. We see this every single day in practice. When MDs hear of this (even when they see it with their own eyes) they say, "It's a coincidence. Anecdotal. Show me hard evidence." Please. :thumbdn:

[drz]

Ya gotta love the reasoning medical doctors use to justify the poor efficacy of vaccines. "Yes, you still got sick but it was milder than it would have been." Really? Got any hard evidence of that?

When someone gets a chiropractic adjustment at the beginning of a cold or flu, it's quite likely that the infection will clear right away or at least be much milder. We see this every single day in practice. When MDs hear of this (even when they see it with their own eyes) they say, "It's a coincidence. Anecdotal. Show me hard evidence." Please. :thumbdn:

Like the flu there is apparently more than one type of pneumonia or strain of virus causing it. I was vaccinated for one strain which was considered a more severe strain but caught a milder strain of pneumonia. Maybe the vaccination protected me from the more serious strain or maybe it was just a lucky break. The beauty of science is that good research will usually provide the hard evidence to either support or disprove any claims of efficacy of any medical treatment or health care practice. Unfortunately too many people ignore the scientific evidence or lack the skill to evaluate what is good research with valid findings. There is also a lot of biased or bogus research done by certain organizations trying to prove some pet theory or philosophy which can often confuse the facts or mislead people.

Lucky for us the Weg centers of excellence are actively involved in research on treating our disease and keep abreast of what latest research seems to suggest. We just need a lot more good research that yields valid findings. Some times even when the findings seem clear it is difficult to get new methods adopted because of economic or political reasons or resistance to change from entrenched power groups so much money get wasted on treatments or techniques that are known to be of little or dubious value.

Keep the faith and encourage evidence based techniques to find some answers that really work.

[Psyborg]

Not being critical Bob, but that's an odd statement coming from a Weggie!!!! LOL!...all things considered of course! Hehe!

ROFL That's true :)

[Sangye]

The problem is that it's the vaccine manufacturers who are doing all the research. And there is BIG money in vaccines, on the side of the pharmaceutical companies and on the side of the doctors who administer them. Vaccine visits make up a huge portion of many doctor visits, especially in pediatrics. Our Congress also passed a law some years ago exempting vaccine manufacturers and doctors from being sued for damages caused by a vaccine EVEN if there is a known problem with the vaccine. So I wouldn't hold my breath for any honest research any time soon.

Here is a great fact-filled article about the flu shot in particular.
NVIC Vaccine News (http://www.nvic.org/NVIC-Vaccine-News/October-2012/Influenza-Deaths--The-Hype-vs--The-Evidence.aspx)

[chrisTIn@]

This discussion (about whether or not flu-shots are recommended for Weggies) returns every winter.
So far I haven't got a flu shot, even though mu GP sends me an invitation every winter, because in his opinion I'm in the 'risk group' for the flu.
I talked it over with my Wegs-doc, and he said I COULD take it. He let the decision to me, in fact.
And I decided to take the risk of getting the flu...

In october last year I had an infection, but I don't know if this was the flu or an other 'bug'.
I took ten days of Clarytromycine, and was cured.
Since then I took the well known precautions, as washing hands frequently,rinse my nose and use special ointment, avoid sick people, and so on.

I know each case of Wegs is different, and decisions will have to be made for each person individually, in close contact with medical specialists and caretakers.
Still it's interesting to read all those different opinions and see the facts and statistics.
Thank you all of you for the information.

For the rest, I highly agree with drz's remark :thumbsup:

Keep the faith and encourage evidence based techniques to find some answers that really work.

[drz]

I think I finally succumbed to the flu outbreak. Stomach upset, feel sweaty, but no fever yet. I have been staying home most of the time too to try dodge it but no such luck. I am still fighting the bronchitis and cough a lot. I am having my second GPA flare too in three months which usually seem to follow or go along with my infections. These are marked by increase bleeding in nasal rinses and more body aches and pains in joints like elbows. These are very mild compared to what it was like before diagnosis and first treatment but still a drag. I am wondering now how to keep my meds down and what happens if stomach starts throwing contents up. I have had two close calls so far and spent some time by the throne in my bathroom but managed to keep breakfast and morning meds down so far. Do you take them again or what? Do any of the meds for nausea help for flu? Biggest problem is how to pass the time when you feel uncomfortable with any position and too exhausted to do anything.

On a bright note we are getting a beautiful snow fall right now and it is really pretty coming down. Just wish I felt well enough to go out and enjoy it. Cross country skiing in the woods would really be nice right now.

[Dirty Don]

Hang tough drz, this too shall pass...

[chrisTIn@]

Yes, hang tough drz!
Is there a possibility to consult an 'indoor' doctor or get a telephonic or email-consult about the nausea and the meds?

[Debbie C]

Hey Drz. sorry to hear u r ill. My mother,who takes alot of meds for blood pressure and pain meds sometmes has to take this med for nausea call Ondansetron 4 mg. You put one tablet on your tongue,let it disolve (works quickly) You might see if u are able to take that.It has saved her from throwing up all her pills ! Hope that helps and u feel better soon.

On a different note I went to the CC on monday and I am getting to not like my dr there much anymore. My boyfriend took me up and they talked about how the mob used to be in Youngstown.Then when he got around to me ( he had to student drs with him) he was more talking to them about me instead of me. The whole group in the room convinced me to get the flu shot and I swear I wasn't going to,then he also wanted me to get the pnemonia shot and I said no.He won't reduce my pred. and said that he won't give me any rtx today!! I was just thinking WHAT THE Hell do u mean.I wasn't planning on getting any rtx ,I don't know why I got the flu shot. Then he said" Your a little high strung aren't you ?" And my boyfriend was there shaking his head yes and I was about ready to knock him off his chair.Like where did that come from...I'd like to see him after being on pred for over 2 years. Any way I have to go get a pulmonary function test done since I am having a terrible time trying to catch my breath. He thinks its from my copd and enpazemia,but my pulmy dr won't get back with me.So thats another day in the life of me !!!

[Victoriaitsnosecret]

Flu and Noro virus declared health emergency in Boston. I get a flu vaccine every year since I work with the "at risk population." This year I got the pneumonia vaccine. Both of my kids had strep throat this past weekend. I'm crossing my fingers that I stay well.
I did get some good news. I've been on meds 3weeks now and the large lesion in my lung is starting to shrink. Yay! But my nose looks to be getting more crooked. Does anyone else have the saddle nose?
Here's hoping everyone stays well. My doc recommended a face mask if people at work or close to me were sick. It makes me think zombie apocolypse.

[Victoriaitsnosecret]

You should let your doctor know if you haven't already. Best wishes for feeling better soon. :rolleyes1:

[mishb]

We have just had reports in Australia that some killer flu from the U.S. is on its way to our shores.

.......can I just say.........I know it's nice to share, but please, you can keep this one to yourselves. :ohmy:

[Dirty Don]

We have just had reports in Australia that some killer flu from the U.S. is on its way to our shores.
.......can I just say.........I know it's nice to share, but please, you can keep this one to yourselves. :ohmy:

But, but...it's free...just like WG!!!

[Sangye]

I think I finally succumbed to the flu outbreak. Stomach upset, feel sweaty, but no fever yet. I have been staying home most of the time too to try dodge it but no such luck. I am still fighting the bronchitis and cough a lot. I am having my second GPA flare too in three months which usually seem to follow or go along with my infections. These are marked by increase bleeding in nasal rinses and more body aches and pains in joints like elbows. These are very mild compared to what it was like before diagnosis and first treatment but still a drag. I am wondering now how to keep my meds down and what happens if stomach starts throwing contents up. I have had two close calls so far and spent some time by the throne in my bathroom but managed to keep breakfast and morning meds down so far. Do you take them again or what? Do any of the meds for nausea help for flu? Biggest problem is how to pass the time when you feel uncomfortable with any position and too exhausted to do anything.

On a bright note we are getting a beautiful snow fall right now and it is really pretty coming down. Just wish I felt well enough to go out and enjoy it. Cross country skiing in the woods would really be nice right now.
Oh no, drz I'm so sorry to hear you're sick. (And having another flare!)

What my docs have told me in the past:
DON'T take your meds again if you throw up. Ask you doctor what to do if you're vomiting up your meds. If you're on pred you may have to increase your dose while sick (usually double the daily dose) because of the shock to your adrenals. If you can't keep pred down you might need a trip to the ER or your doc to get a pred injection.

[Sangye]

This (http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/alerts/lung_disorders/vitamin-D-respiratory-infections_6111-1.html?ET=johnshopkins:e98363:507897a:&st=email&s=ELH_130117_001) is an article from the JHU newsletter. Note that similar research has been done and has shown the same (or better) results. We holistic docs like to keep the blood levels for D at 50 ng/ml-- ie, higher than the 38 in the study.

Here's the article in case the link expires:

Johns Hopkins Health Alert
Can Vitamin D Ward Off Colds and Flu?Influenza, or the flu, is an acute infection usually involving the upper respiratory tract. Outbreaks of influenza occur each winter and last for two to three months, leading to infection in 10 to 20 percent of the population. Influenza can worsen the symptoms experienced by people who have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or asthma. It can also make a person more prone to a bacterial infection that causes pneumonia, or the flu virus itself can cause pneumonia.


[*=left]There is some evidence that vitamin D is associated with a reduction in the likelihood of developing a respiratory infection -- or at least making one less severe.

A recent study led by researchers at Yale University followed 198 healthy adults over the course of a fall and winter and tested their blood every month to measure their levels of vitamin D. Among individuals with vitamin D levels lower than 38 ng/mL, about 45 percent came down with a viral infection. However, in the group with vitamin D levels of 38 ng/mL or higher, only 16 percent became ill.
The findings raise the question of whether taking vitamin D supplements to achieve a blood level of 38 ng/mL or higher could boost the immune system and ward off flu. They may also explain why flu outbreaks don't occur in the summer, when people are more likely to be exposed to sunlight, a natural source of vitamin D. The findings were published in the journal PLoS ONE.
What to do. Although these findings don't definitively prove that vitamin D can ward off colds, adequate vitamin D is important, nonetheless, because it helps maintain strong bones. Your doctor can perform a simple blood test to determine if you're vitamin D deficient.

[renidrag]

Sorry to hear this news drz, stay strong..
Thanks for the info, Sangye and nice to see you often again.
Dale

[Debbie C]

Well my pulmy dr. finally got the me to get the pulmanary test done at the hosp. but not until next Wed. Right now I am having such a hard time breathing that my back is killing me. I may go to the er and see if they can see if I have some lung infection going on...I don't know if they can test for that or not...hopefully they can.

[drz]

Well my pulmy dr. finally got the me to get the pulmanary test done at the hosp. but not until next Wed. Right now I am having such a hard time breathing that my back is killing me. I may go to the er and see if they can see if I have some lung infection going on...I don't know if they can test for that or not...hopefully they can.

I know they can listen to your lungs and set if they are clear or filled with fluid. They can also X-ray them too if they think it is necessary. Mine get checked a lot especially when I have signs of bronchitis and sinus infections. I rank trouble breathing as the worst thing I have experienced from Wegs so condolences on your breathing problems and hope you have quick improvement.

[drz]

This (http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/alerts/lung_disorders/vitamin-D-respiratory-infections_6111-1.html?ET=johnshopkins:e98363:507897a:&st=email&s=ELH_130117_001) is an article from the JHU newsletter. Note that similar research has been done and has shown the same (or better) results. We holistic docs like to keep the blood levels for D at 50 ng/ml-- ie, higher than the 38 in the study.

Here's the article in case the link expires:

Johns Hopkins Health Alert
Can Vitamin D Ward Off Colds and Flu?

Influenza, or the flu, is an acute infection usually involving the upper respiratory tract. Outbreaks of influenza occur each winter and last for two to three months, leading to infection in 10 to 20 percent of the population. Influenza can worsen the symptoms experienced by people who have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or asthma. It can also make a person more prone to a bacterial infection that causes pneumonia, or the flu virus itself can cause pneumonia.


[*=left]There is some evidence that vitamin D is associated with a reduction in the likelihood of developing a respiratory infection -- or at least making one less severe.

A recent study led by researchers at Yale University followed 198 healthy adults over the course of a fall and winter and tested their blood every month to measure their levels of vitamin D. Among individuals with vitamin D levels lower than 38 ng/mL, about 45 percent came down with a viral infection. However, in the group with vitamin D levels of 38 ng/mL or higher, only 16 percent became ill.
The findings raise the question of whether taking vitamin D supplements to achieve a blood level of 38 ng/mL or higher could boost the immune system and ward off flu. They may also explain why flu outbreaks don't occur in the summer, when people are more likely to be exposed to sunlight, a natural source of vitamin D. The findings were published in the journal PLoS ONE.
What to do. Although these findings don't definitively prove that vitamin D can ward off colds, adequate vitamin D is important, nonetheless, because it helps maintain strong bones. Your doctor can perform a simple blood test to determine if you're vitamin D deficient.

My Vitamin D levels have been OK but is there any value in taking a little more on a short basis now with flu epidemic so wide spread. Our small local hospital reports almost a 100 confirmed cases this fall or 50% more than last year.

[drz]

Oh no, drz I'm so sorry to hear you're sick. (And having another flare!)

What my docs have told me in the past:
DON'T take your meds again if you throw up. Ask you doctor what to do if you're vomiting up your meds. If you're on pred you may have to increase your dose while sick (usually double the daily dose) because of the shock to your adrenals. If you can't keep pred down you might need a trip to the ER or your doc to get a pred injection.

So far I have been able to keep my meds down by sipping ginger ale and eating chicken noodle soup and broth. I get a little extra steroid in the nasal spray which I use after bloody nasal rinses but other no changes in meds except for the antibiotic to treat the bronchitis. Thanks.

[Debbie C]

I'm going to see my pcp tomorrow so he can listen to my lungs.I've had so many x-rays and ct scans I'm going to glow in the dark. But my pulmy did call in a script for simicort to inhale twice a day but reading it you shouldn't take it along with prednisone. So I'm not going to use it until I find out more tomorrow. Drz hope u r doing better.

[jola57]

Hope you are doing better drz. Sending some home made chicken soup your way :)

[drz]

Hope you are doing better drz. Sending some home made chicken soup your way :)

I am sipping my hot chicken broth as I read this post. Can't sleep now due to the constant coughing. I got some naps in during the day that help with fatigue and exhaustion that we all understand only too well. right? Thanks.

[Pete]

Drz, you may want to get a Rx for tessalon perles to get some relief for your cough. I've found them to be much more effective than OTC cough suppressants. Hope you feel better soon!

[chrisTIn@]

Can't sleep now due to the constant coughing. I got some naps in during the day that help with fatigue and exhaustion that we all understand only too well. right? Thanks.

I know what you mean drz. Hope you can get some more 'naps', and that you find something to relieve the cough.
Maybe Pete's suggested tablets?

I'm not feeling too well myself either. Stayed in all day, to get some rest and stay warm.
We got a flu-epidemic here in Holland too.
I hope I can get my 'cold' or whatever it is to disappear quickly.
I'm rinsing my nose regularly, have no fever till now, but still took some Tylenol (we call it Paracetamol) because I feel kind of chilly.

Did you already finish eating Jola's soup?
Maybe you 'd also like a cup of hot tea or something.
Take care, drz!
I will too.

[Sangye]

My Vitamin D levels have been OK but is there any value in taking a little more on a short basis now with flu epidemic so wide spread. Our small local hospital reports almost a 100 confirmed cases this fall or 50% more than last year.
You can take a bit more for very short term (a week). It'd be good to find out exactly what your levels were. 38 is in the normal range but IMO not enough to give you solid protection from flu and other URI's.