Have You Had the "Sortavirus" Yet??

Published

Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I coined the term for this nasty little sickness when I was deep in its miseries, probably as the result of a fever flash. The best way I can describe it is, it's 'sorta' like the flu, with body aches and extreme tiredness, and 'sorta' like a cold with runny nose, sore throat and cough, and 'sorta' like an intestinal bug with nausea and diarrhea. It's been going through my family and workplace faster than a rumor, and I myself am finally emerging from it after feeling like something the dog dug up for I don't know how long. A week? Ten days? All I know is, I almost never get sick, and given the mildness of the individual symptoms, I shouldn't have been as ill as I was.

So now I'm wondering just what the heck we all have had. Every single person I know who's been affected by it got their flu shot this past fall, and most of us take vitamins and are generally healthy overall; but this thing slaps you flat and leaves you weak, exhausted, coughing, and feeling like you'd have to get better to die.

Anyone else experience the "sortavirus" yet? Inquiring minds want to know, and of course, if anybody has a clue as to what it actually is, I'm listening!:sstrs:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics.

You know, funny you should ask. I myself have had the "sortavirus" for about two months now. It is not as bad now as it was tho, fever of 103.2, nonproductive cough at first, felling like two semi's had run me over forwards and backwards, and so tired all the time. Stomach and head felt like they were in the same place, which was not a good place either. Now I have a loose cough and not as tired but feel like I had something bad, just don't know what it was. And of course I could not miss work, God forbid. Bad enough my patients would tell me to lay down in the empty bed in their room and let "some one else take care of you this time"

all in all feeling better, finally get to go to the Dr. tomorrow.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in UR/PA, Hematology/Oncology, Med Surg, Psych.

My mom and sister have had this for the last couple of weeks. My sister called me c/o sore throat, cough, head congestion, fever, and soreness with fatigue. Her worst symptom by far was the overwelming fatigue and aches. She felt just awful, but would complain mostly about aching everywhere, from the tips of her toes to the top of her head. After a few days they improved some, then would slide back down into it, although now they seem on the mend. Soooo glad I haven't gotten it yet, but with the kiddos back in school I'm sure it's just a matter of time.

I love your name for it; really seems to suit it. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Operating Room.

I had it too. People at work came down with it so I had been washing my hands like a fiend and I got a flu shot in October. I was shocked that I came down with it. Sore throat, nausea, aches, runny nose, dizziness and at times, my eyes felt like they were going to explode. I had it for about 10 days.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Mercifully no! Thank goodness.

In my family, it's refered to as "The Martian Death Virus".....I think after an old Calvin and Hobbes cartoon.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.

I have the sorta virus every year...I call it the winter crud. And it last all winter for me. I spend the whole winter miserable. I blame my sinuses, and the drainage. When I'm lucky, I get a little strep with it.

I'm really considering moving further south...:(

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds Critical Care, Dialysis, General.

I'm battling the "sortavirus" and can't seem to shake it. I have had a couple of days where I feel better, but it hits hard again. Our unit seems to be passing it back and forth. I'm really over this - I just want to feel kind of good at this point.

Cindy

PS - I got the flu shot, too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

My mom and I call it "the fooey feeling". You just feel... fooey.

I thought I had sortavirus the last two weeks, because "something" has been going around my unit and I haven't been feeling well ... turns out it was strep. I went to the doctor intending just to get a note, just because I was feeling under the weather, figured it was sortavirus, but knew I'd never get paid if I called out on a Friday without a note. She said she could SMELL it the second I opened my mouth for the rapid culture. Ooops.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

I've had for 4 days and have been dragging myself to work, but I just triaged some guy who's had it for 3 hours and is handling it less well.

I'm calling out sick tonight.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

Maybe it's a weak flu-shot-fueled attempt your body is making trying to fight off the flu....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg/Ortho/HH/Radiology-Now Retired.

I now refuse having any flu shots.

I've experienced one quite adverse reaction to it, that was while I was still working.

I also ended up sick on another two occasions. Similar to what you're describing.

PLUS .... a huge, painful, hot, red, swollen underarm on the arm they injected.

NO more for me!

Hope you feel better soon! (((hug)))

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Have had a mild virus for last couple of days. To tell you the truth I think I picked it up on my way home from California in the air port. Yes I have had all the symptoms of the flu but not nearly as sever as you would get with true flu. I sorta thought my flu shot was giving me some protection but not full protection. So I guess I was calling it the sorta virus myself.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion