I had it two months ago. It's a bitch, but if you don't let it go rampant on your ass you'll be fine.
It's not any WORSE of a flu, it's just more persistent of a strain, and because you're contagious way longer than a normal flu, it spreads more.
Had a 101 fever for 3 days straight, (my normal temp is around 96-97) so I feel your wife's pain, Chinook.