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What Causes Leg Pain, Cough And Puffy Nose While Recovering From Flu?

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Posted on Wed, 11 May 2016
Question: I am getting over the flu. It's been a week since it started and I had 3 days of fever and body aches. My fever is gone now but I'm still having aching in my legs but no where else. Still have a cough and snotty nose too. I had a Mirena IUD put in a week ago this past Thursday and I'm freaking myself out these leg aches are related to that? I don't have anything else going on in that department though. I have Factor V Leiden Heterozygous and my doctor said Mirena was safe because there's no estrogen in it. Are leg aches a side effect or is it still from the flu? Seems like they would be gone since I'm at the end of my flu? I've got myself all scared they are a bad sign from the IUD. Plus blood clots have crossed my mind as I'm a worry wart. Please help put my mind at ease so I can stop worrying.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Leg aches

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Leg aching, in particular the upper legs, does go with influenza. It would be less likely related to the Mirena IUD - pelvic cramping is more likely with the IUD. Sometimes women get some leg aching when there are pelvic symptoms but you are not having bad pelvic symptoms.

Regarding blood clots, I would think it more likely if your symptoms were in one leg rather than both at the same time.

So, although these things are possibilities, I think they are less likely, and the leg aching is probably still attributable to the flu. You aren't over it yet - still having a cough and I'm going to guess a bit of fatigue too.

You should start to feel better in the next several days. However, if you feel it is getting noticeably worse and have any signs of a blood clot then you should go in to be seen promptly.

I hope this helps. I can totally understand why you might feel worried. For now, I think it is just a symptom of the flu.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (26 minutes later)
Today I've noticed it just in my left leg. Like in my quad and calf. It just aches, not swollen, red, hot feeling or looking weird. It's like my IT Band running down the outside part of my leg is tight. My leg looks fine, I can walk fine. Just started aching in both legs during the worst part of my flu and it has lingered, but today is just the left leg. Maybe I did something and didn't realize it. I've never had a blood clot. I'm 32. Now I'm worried about a clot, but I'd have other things going on not just this annoying dull ache throughout my leg right?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
IT band less likely to be source of a clot than the calf.

Detailed Answer:
You may have strained the IT band. I would expect swelling below the level where a clot would be. Do certain positions give you relief from the aching?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (6 minutes later)
Not particularly that I've noticed. It's minor aching, just annoying really. Almost like growing pains. No swelling at all. Leg looks and feels normal to the touch.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
watch/observe

Detailed Answer:
I think for now, just watch and observe and if the problem gets worse then do go in.

You might also find these exercises helpful:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI1uUQv7u1k
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (2 minutes later)
Ok, so if it doesn't get any worse or it changes in some way than I have nothing to worry about? I'm sorry, I'm a huge worry wart.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
See below:

Detailed Answer:
Without being able to examine you, I'll rely on your observation. Observe, and if it gets better, no problem; if the aching gets worse OR doesn't go away, then go in to be seen.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 minute later)
How long should I give it to go away?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
See below:

Detailed Answer:
If it is a strain, it might take several days to get better. But it should not get worse. Any signs of it getting worse, then do go in for it to be evaluated. I am being ultra cautious because of your hereditary disorder.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 minute later)
Ok thank you. I appreciate your help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Have a good night!

Detailed Answer:
Best regards,

Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
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
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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What Causes Leg Pain, Cough And Puffy Nose While Recovering From Flu?

Brief Answer: Leg aches Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX Leg aching, in particular the upper legs, does go with influenza. It would be less likely related to the Mirena IUD - pelvic cramping is more likely with the IUD. Sometimes women get some leg aching when there are pelvic symptoms but you are not having bad pelvic symptoms. Regarding blood clots, I would think it more likely if your symptoms were in one leg rather than both at the same time. So, although these things are possibilities, I think they are less likely, and the leg aching is probably still attributable to the flu. You aren't over it yet - still having a cough and I'm going to guess a bit of fatigue too. You should start to feel better in the next several days. However, if you feel it is getting noticeably worse and have any signs of a blood clot then you should go in to be seen promptly. I hope this helps. I can totally understand why you might feel worried. For now, I think it is just a symptom of the flu.