Question: I am a 36 year old, normally healthy and active, woman. During 2012, I have been living in XXXXXXX Italy and I have been sick off and on the entire year. Last winter, I was diagnosed with Bronchitis and Costochondritis and it took about four months to finally recover. Five days ago, I again woke up feeling sick. I have all the same symptoms of bronchitis including a bad cough, feeling tired and fever, but I also have a terrible cold which I did not have the last time. My nose is blocked and I am having trouble breathing. I also feel my ears are blocked because I am not hearing well and hear a ringing sound in my ears. Now, I am starting to wonder if maybe I have the flu instead or is it a combination of flu and bronchitis? How do I know which it is? In addition to lots of rest and fluids, what do you recommend I do? I am moving cross country next week and I need to get my energy back.
Thank you.