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What Causes Persistent Fever, Phlegm And Cough?
Question: Hi Doctor,
Since last 48 hours I am having consistent fever. The highest it went was 103 about 36 hours back. After that i started monitoring my temp closely and took Paracetamol 500 not more than 3 in a day. Now my fever is swinging between 100 and 101. My only other major symptom is phlegm and a little cough. But i am confused if I've a primary chest infection or sinusitis, since i swim in public pools.
Since last 48 hours I am having consistent fever. The highest it went was 103 about 36 hours back. After that i started monitoring my temp closely and took Paracetamol 500 not more than 3 in a day. Now my fever is swinging between 100 and 101. My only other major symptom is phlegm and a little cough. But i am confused if I've a primary chest infection or sinusitis, since i swim in public pools.
Brief Answer:
A viral infection is more likely
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX Thanks for coming to HealthcareMagic. I see that your febrile symptoms have lasted for about 48 hours so far. The variability in the fever and the minimal phlegm make me beleive that you are suffering from a VIRAL Chest infection. It may have begun in your sinuses, that is a possibility, but the time course, high fever and the fact that you swim in public pools are strongly suggestive of a viral infection.
As such, there is nothing to do right now. Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water and get a balanced diet. If the fever and symptoms last up till 5 days, then we can peg it as a bacterial infection rather than a viral infection (the virus would be killed by the immune system earlier). At that point we can discuss treating you with antibiotics.
For symptomatic relief, paracetamol and Ibuprofen are excellent. They should work well.
I hope this helps,
Vinay
A viral infection is more likely
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX Thanks for coming to HealthcareMagic. I see that your febrile symptoms have lasted for about 48 hours so far. The variability in the fever and the minimal phlegm make me beleive that you are suffering from a VIRAL Chest infection. It may have begun in your sinuses, that is a possibility, but the time course, high fever and the fact that you swim in public pools are strongly suggestive of a viral infection.
As such, there is nothing to do right now. Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water and get a balanced diet. If the fever and symptoms last up till 5 days, then we can peg it as a bacterial infection rather than a viral infection (the virus would be killed by the immune system earlier). At that point we can discuss treating you with antibiotics.
For symptomatic relief, paracetamol and Ibuprofen are excellent. They should work well.
I hope this helps,
Vinay
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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