HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Does Fever, Aches And Sore Throat Indicate "walking Pneumonia"disease?

default
Posted on Mon, 9 Feb 2015
Question: I had tough flu-like symptoms for 3 days. VERY cold at times, fever, aches and very sore throat. No congestion or cough. After 3 days, all those symptoms were gone but now i have some congestion and a very bad cough - tough to speak at times and I need to keep drinking water or tea to keep from coughing. I seldom get sick, last time with flu was probably 3-4 years ago and lasted maybe 24 hours. My brother mentioned his girlfriend whom I had been around at the holidays having recently been diagnosed with "Walking Pneumonia". I feel pretty good outside of the cough and a sometimes runny nose. Thoughts? Recommendations?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Bronchitis or pneumonia are possible

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.

Sometimes after a flu like illness when our immune system has been stressed, we develop a secondary respiratory infection like bronchitis or pneumonia. If you are feeling pretty good and not having high fevers then pneumonia is less likely. Bronchitis is a definite possibility and I would advise you to see a doctor for a lung exam and medications.

Sometimes antibiotics and cough medications are needed to get rid of bronchitis and you want to make sure that it is not pneumonia. If you develop high fevers and shortness of breath then you should go to the Emergency Department. Otherwise try to see a doctor as soon as possible so that you can get some relief from the coughing.

I hope you are feeling better soon. Thank you for using HCM.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Kathy Robinson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 3535 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Does Fever, Aches And Sore Throat Indicate "walking Pneumonia"disease?

Brief Answer: Bronchitis or pneumonia are possible Detailed Answer: Hello and thank you for your question. Sometimes after a flu like illness when our immune system has been stressed, we develop a secondary respiratory infection like bronchitis or pneumonia. If you are feeling pretty good and not having high fevers then pneumonia is less likely. Bronchitis is a definite possibility and I would advise you to see a doctor for a lung exam and medications. Sometimes antibiotics and cough medications are needed to get rid of bronchitis and you want to make sure that it is not pneumonia. If you develop high fevers and shortness of breath then you should go to the Emergency Department. Otherwise try to see a doctor as soon as possible so that you can get some relief from the coughing. I hope you are feeling better soon. Thank you for using HCM.