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Having Severe Headache, Neck Pain And Chills. Suffer Fatigue. Blood Test Showed Elevated Monocyte Levels. Guide?
Question: Yes, our son is a Jr. in college. He has had severe headache, neck ache and some chills along with fatigue. His blood test from the doctor showed slightly elevated monocyte levels and slightly elevated white blood cells. Is this just mono or could it be more.
I reported earlier to add additional info. about our son. He is 6'3" a body builder who works out 2 hrs. each day when there are no time conflicts. He eats mostly chicken, rice, eggs and a few salads occasionally. He is not at all into alcohol or drugs and hates taking even an aspirin. He used chlorodette on his throat which was very sore.
I reported earlier to add additional info. about our son. He is 6'3" a body builder who works out 2 hrs. each day when there are no time conflicts. He eats mostly chicken, rice, eggs and a few salads occasionally. He is not at all into alcohol or drugs and hates taking even an aspirin. He used chlorodette on his throat which was very sore.
Brief Answer:
Relax, Viral fever. If fever needs evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, Thanks for using XXXXXXX
I appreciate your concern for your son.
As a GP, if someone with similar complaints presents to my clinic I like to exclude the following in order of its occurence / prevalence
1. Viral fever: With the presentation this is my first first diagnosis.
This presents with myalgia, head ache, neck pain and with fever (after a day or two). Blood investigations shows raised white blood cells (Initially no variation in differential count but later monocytes and lymphocytes may increase). The symptoms resolve with adequate rest, plenty of fluids and NSAID like Ibuprofen 400mg and no restriction of food. Anti histamine like cetrizine may be required.
2. Since you told acute onset, 2 hours of work out and slight raised in the counts this may be due to stress also. So advice him to take rest with the above measures.
3. I would be a bit concerned if he develops high grade fever with chills and other symptoms then he need to be evaluated for other causes like malaria, infections, etc. So if he is unable to visit a doctor now (which would be ideal), suggest him to monitor the symptoms and take appropriate steps as directed above.
Repeat the blood test again after a week or later. If the monocyte count still remains at higher levels or raised then he needs complete evaluation from a board certified physician to diagnose the cause. Otherwise no need to worry.
Hope I clarified your query. Consult your doctor for further management.
Feel free to ask me if you have any further queries or doubts and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wish you and your son a very good health. Take care.
Regards
Relax, Viral fever. If fever needs evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, Thanks for using XXXXXXX
I appreciate your concern for your son.
As a GP, if someone with similar complaints presents to my clinic I like to exclude the following in order of its occurence / prevalence
1. Viral fever: With the presentation this is my first first diagnosis.
This presents with myalgia, head ache, neck pain and with fever (after a day or two). Blood investigations shows raised white blood cells (Initially no variation in differential count but later monocytes and lymphocytes may increase). The symptoms resolve with adequate rest, plenty of fluids and NSAID like Ibuprofen 400mg and no restriction of food. Anti histamine like cetrizine may be required.
2. Since you told acute onset, 2 hours of work out and slight raised in the counts this may be due to stress also. So advice him to take rest with the above measures.
3. I would be a bit concerned if he develops high grade fever with chills and other symptoms then he need to be evaluated for other causes like malaria, infections, etc. So if he is unable to visit a doctor now (which would be ideal), suggest him to monitor the symptoms and take appropriate steps as directed above.
Repeat the blood test again after a week or later. If the monocyte count still remains at higher levels or raised then he needs complete evaluation from a board certified physician to diagnose the cause. Otherwise no need to worry.
Hope I clarified your query. Consult your doctor for further management.
Feel free to ask me if you have any further queries or doubts and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wish you and your son a very good health. Take care.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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