A319
Flight Attendant Airline Total 30; Flight Attendant Number Of Acft Qualified On 3; Flight Attendant Total 30; Flight Attendant Type 90
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
On gradual descent; a very strong 'smelly sock' odor occurred. The worst one in my 30 years. On arrival at the gate; I asked the FO (First Officer) about the odor and if they smelled it. He said yes and it was because the APU was turned on during descent. We were then to go on to do a turn. All 3 FA's (Flight Attendants) said they felt odd. I said I could not pinpoint it but my head and body felt off. Half a headache and trouble speaking. I told the next flight deck about the situation. We took off and after about 15 minutes the Captain called me and asked if we still smelled the odor. I said yes. A moment later he made a PA saying we were returning to due to [a mechanical problem] and possible oil leak. We landed and were met by supervisors asking how we felt and if we're going to continue to go on to do the turn. The Captain said he did not feel safe going back on the plane. He had a headache and felt bad. He went to the chief pilot and then was going to the clinic. All 3 FA's felt dizzy; half a headache; and just felt off. Supervisor told me my bottom lip was quivering when I was trying to speak. All 3 FA's declined to work the turn and all went to the clinic. After the clinic; I stopped at ER to tell them what happened. They had me call poison control. It took a full 2 days for me to return to somewhat normal.
A319 Flight Attendant reported a strong smelly sock odor followed by a headache and difficulty speaking.