Should I get tested?

[LindsayK]

So, I think I just had a mild/moderate form of the flu. I am TTC, and given all the push to get pregnant women vaccinated, I am wondering if I should (can?) get tested for the flu so that if and when it comes up (assuming I get pregnant sometime during this flu season) I can just whip out lab results to show I've already had the flu, and no-thank-you-very-much for the vaccine.

Does it sound like I had the flu?
Will my doc actually test me?
Has too much time gone by? (I'm just getting out of my sick fog)

Here's what I had:

Monday night: had to use my inhaler due to tight breathing
Tuesday morning: woke up with bad cough, progressed to nasty body aches, extreme fatigue, headache, low fever, lots of chest congestion, stuffy nose
Wednesday: cough, congestion, fatigue, stuffy nose, headache
Today: about the same as yesterday

Thoughts?

[Marnica]

I think you should concentrate on getting better and not worry about it.

I doubt any doc would test you anyway and even if it did come back as h1n1, they will still push the vax on you (and the seasonal flu vax) if you are pregnant. They will tell you lots of things that don't make sense like the virus can mutate and if you get the vaccine you will have some protection...I reallt wouldn't bother. Regarless they will push it on you and you have the right to say NO. If you don't want to get vaccinated while pregnant than don't. You have a voice, don't be afraid to use it with your doc!

[Emmeline II]

http://www.cafemom.com/journals/read...xt=41#comments

You may not be able to find anyone willing to test you at this point.

[Gitti]

I would not worry about what you had and I would not get ANY vaccine while pregnant or otherwise. The doctor can stand on his head if s/he wanted to, I still would not get any toxins injected. It is YOUR body after all. If he wants any flu shot that badly, s/he should get it.

[~Charlie's~Angel~]

Originally Posted by Gitti

I would not worry about what you had and I would not get ANY vaccine while pregnant or otherwise. The doctor can stand on his head if s/he wanted to, I still would not get any toxins injected. It is YOUR body after all. If he wants any flu shot that badly, s/he should get it.

I dont think I could have said any of this better myself.

[ZoeyZoo]

I wouldn't worry about it either. You are free to decline anything you feel isn't necessary.

[Noelle C.]

You're more likely to work yourself into a frenzy and lower your immune system by stressing than just by going about your day. Don't lick any door knobs or windows on buses and your chances of being fine at the end of the winter are pretty good. Getting sick here and there is a part of life, plain and simple, and no one does anyone any favors by trying to convince the masses otherwise.

Your symptoms could have been a mild flu, a moderate cold (which CAN come with a low-grade fever), or any number of things. I didn't see you, so can't say which is most likely in my opinion. It's possible you even had the piggy flu. The best thing to do for yourself when sick is just to take it easy, don't go screaming for antibiotics that ultimately do nothing, and take a Tylenol if you need to for a fever (though a lukewarm bath usually works well enough). Doctors don't need to be called in for everything under the sun. They're loving the fear people have over the mildest things because it means more money in their pockets!