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Are Fever, Dry Cough And Sore Throat Signs Of Flu?
Question: Hello and thank you for taking my question.
I'm looking for a 2nd opinion. I went to a walk-in clinic this morning for flu symptoms. On Monday (2/8) at around 2:00 PM, I began getting dizzy and feverish. By 6:00PM, I left work and went home. Overnight Tuesday morning, I had a 101.5 fever. I stayed home from work, slept all day Tuesday, and my fever XXXXXXX to 102.5. I have body aches from my feet to my hands, it's horrible. Today, I was prescribed Tamiflu and took first dose at 9:00 AM. I slept most of the day, but my symptoms are worse and now I have a dry cough and my throat is terribly sore. I'm wondering if I was misdiagnosed? Could I have strep throat or something else? My fever as of 10 minutes ago is 101.2. Please help.
Thank you, XXXXXXX
I'm looking for a 2nd opinion. I went to a walk-in clinic this morning for flu symptoms. On Monday (2/8) at around 2:00 PM, I began getting dizzy and feverish. By 6:00PM, I left work and went home. Overnight Tuesday morning, I had a 101.5 fever. I stayed home from work, slept all day Tuesday, and my fever XXXXXXX to 102.5. I have body aches from my feet to my hands, it's horrible. Today, I was prescribed Tamiflu and took first dose at 9:00 AM. I slept most of the day, but my symptoms are worse and now I have a dry cough and my throat is terribly sore. I'm wondering if I was misdiagnosed? Could I have strep throat or something else? My fever as of 10 minutes ago is 101.2. Please help.
Thank you, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
sounds like the flu...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
your symptoms resemble those of the flu a lot. Cough and body aches are usually prominent symptoms of the flu. Cough is against streptococcal pharyngitis. The rapid influenza tests are not very sensitive, so a negative result does not exclude influenza. A positive result is more useful as confirmation.
There are other more accurate tests for influenza like PCR. Indirect signs can be obtained by other tests like the white blood cells count and C-reactive protein. High count and high C-RP are against viral infection (like influenza).
Influenza usually lasts for 3-5 days. Tamiflu usually provides little help to healthy individuals. It's more helpful to patients with serious health problems like heart disease, etc.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
sounds like the flu...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
your symptoms resemble those of the flu a lot. Cough and body aches are usually prominent symptoms of the flu. Cough is against streptococcal pharyngitis. The rapid influenza tests are not very sensitive, so a negative result does not exclude influenza. A positive result is more useful as confirmation.
There are other more accurate tests for influenza like PCR. Indirect signs can be obtained by other tests like the white blood cells count and C-reactive protein. High count and high C-RP are against viral infection (like influenza).
Influenza usually lasts for 3-5 days. Tamiflu usually provides little help to healthy individuals. It's more helpful to patients with serious health problems like heart disease, etc.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your review.
Is there anything else I can do to feel better while this progresses? I've taken hot showers which temporarily takes away the chills and aches. I 've been drinking a lot of no-caffeine herbal tea, a lot of orange juice, cranberry juice, and water. What else can I do to feel better while this passes?
Is there anything else I can do to feel better while this progresses? I've taken hot showers which temporarily takes away the chills and aches. I 've been drinking a lot of no-caffeine herbal tea, a lot of orange juice, cranberry juice, and water. What else can I do to feel better while this passes?
Brief Answer:
hot shower, fluids, paracetamol
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
Hot showers and fluid are very helpful. Fluids in particular are absolutely necessary to avoid dehydration due to the high fever.
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a helpful drug against fever and against malaise. Sometimes more potent drugs are required like ibuprofen but I wouldn't recommend them unless the symptoms are unbearable.
Follow-up with your doctor if more than 48 hours have passed without any sign of improvement or if new (or worsening) symptoms appear. Chest pain, shortness of breath, faintness are symptoms which may be associated with more severe disease or complications like pneumonia.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
hot shower, fluids, paracetamol
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
Hot showers and fluid are very helpful. Fluids in particular are absolutely necessary to avoid dehydration due to the high fever.
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a helpful drug against fever and against malaise. Sometimes more potent drugs are required like ibuprofen but I wouldn't recommend them unless the symptoms are unbearable.
Follow-up with your doctor if more than 48 hours have passed without any sign of improvement or if new (or worsening) symptoms appear. Chest pain, shortness of breath, faintness are symptoms which may be associated with more severe disease or complications like pneumonia.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you!
Brief Answer:
Glad to help!
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
Glad to help!
Glad to help!
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
Glad to help!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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