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Suggest Treatment For Sore Throat, Cough And Fever
Question: I have had the flu for five days how long shoes it last. I get hot and cold then ache all over the fever has subsided but I have a sore throat and cough. I have been taking Tylenol and cough medicine.
Brief Answer:
Seasonal viral infection 1-2 weeks.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.
Your symptoms are suggesting that you are having seasonal viral infection. It could be rhinovirus, influenza, para influenza, etc. These infections are usually self limiting and lasts for 1-2 weeks. The antibiotics do not help or shorten the duration of illness. Therefore the treatment is only symptomatic. You can take Tylenol to relieve pain and fever, antihistamines like cetrizine, nasal decongestant like sudafed. Do gargle with chlorhexidine or saline water 5-6 times it will be beneficial. Yes for cough you can take mucinex orally. Keep yourself warm and covered well. Drink plenty of fluids and eat protein rich balanced diet with multivitamins and calcium supplements. Don't worry in 5-7 days symptoms will start to decrease. Monitor your temperature. If you develop difficulty in breathing, restlessness, sputum with blood, severe headache, vomiting and diarrhoea then you must visit physician for evaluation and investigations. As of now you do not need extensive laboratory work. Just get complete haemogram done. If no improvement or symptoms deteriorate get throat swab, influenza test, X Ray done. Take adequate rest. Practice hand hygiene and avoid direct contact with family members. Use disposable tissues for any cough and dispose properly. Get vaccination for influenza like influvac.
I hope I answered your query.
You can take a follow-up query.
If no clarifications then you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Best of health.
Dr. Sheetal Verma
Infectious diseases Specialist
Seasonal viral infection 1-2 weeks.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.
Your symptoms are suggesting that you are having seasonal viral infection. It could be rhinovirus, influenza, para influenza, etc. These infections are usually self limiting and lasts for 1-2 weeks. The antibiotics do not help or shorten the duration of illness. Therefore the treatment is only symptomatic. You can take Tylenol to relieve pain and fever, antihistamines like cetrizine, nasal decongestant like sudafed. Do gargle with chlorhexidine or saline water 5-6 times it will be beneficial. Yes for cough you can take mucinex orally. Keep yourself warm and covered well. Drink plenty of fluids and eat protein rich balanced diet with multivitamins and calcium supplements. Don't worry in 5-7 days symptoms will start to decrease. Monitor your temperature. If you develop difficulty in breathing, restlessness, sputum with blood, severe headache, vomiting and diarrhoea then you must visit physician for evaluation and investigations. As of now you do not need extensive laboratory work. Just get complete haemogram done. If no improvement or symptoms deteriorate get throat swab, influenza test, X Ray done. Take adequate rest. Practice hand hygiene and avoid direct contact with family members. Use disposable tissues for any cough and dispose properly. Get vaccination for influenza like influvac.
I hope I answered your query.
You can take a follow-up query.
If no clarifications then you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Best of health.
Dr. Sheetal Verma
Infectious diseases Specialist
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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