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What Causes Cough, Sneezing, Sore Throat, Fever, Leg Cramps And Neck Pain?
Question: I have not been feeling well for about 3 weeks. I was exposed to someone in CT who was coughing, sneezing and had to go home several times because she was not well. I have been experiencing a sore throat, intermittent temperature spikes, earache, horrible leg cramps, shoulder and neck pain, fullness in the chest. Last night I felt really bad and took a couple of 500 mg Keflex ... which made me feel better. {Yes, I know I am not supposed to take left-over drugs, but I was desperate, since my doc was not available.] I am a female, age 63 and am thinking this is either a sinus bug or pneumonia, probably bacterial, since the Keflex made me feel better. Would appreciate your input. Thanks much
Brief Answer:
Possible Pneumonia. Recommendations given.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HCM to post your question.
I read it carefully and I understand your concern.
As I understand it from your description it looks like you have been sick with fever and all the symptoms for 3 weeks.
If I have understood it right, and the fever being intermittent (so some days no fever but then fever again), and you getting worse or not better, also shortness of breath or chest pain...all these are indicative of a Pneumonia.
If you confirm all my understandings above then yes, I would recommend taking an antibiotic. The fact that you feel better from using one of them, gives me more confidence that you need it. What I don't want though, is that you got better because it has come the time to get better.
So I would recommend waiting till tomorrow to start it, if you decide to take it.
Take AZITHROMYCIN 500mg the first day and then 250 mg for next 4 days, once/day.
Take Tylenol 650mg twice to thrice daily after food for the fever and pains.
Drink plenty of fluids- very important. Also take steam inhalation three times daily for next 3-4 days and observe how you stay.
You still may need a visit to your local doctor to get a prescription so you can be able to purchase it to the local pharmacy.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr.Papaqako
Possible Pneumonia. Recommendations given.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HCM to post your question.
I read it carefully and I understand your concern.
As I understand it from your description it looks like you have been sick with fever and all the symptoms for 3 weeks.
If I have understood it right, and the fever being intermittent (so some days no fever but then fever again), and you getting worse or not better, also shortness of breath or chest pain...all these are indicative of a Pneumonia.
If you confirm all my understandings above then yes, I would recommend taking an antibiotic. The fact that you feel better from using one of them, gives me more confidence that you need it. What I don't want though, is that you got better because it has come the time to get better.
So I would recommend waiting till tomorrow to start it, if you decide to take it.
Take AZITHROMYCIN 500mg the first day and then 250 mg for next 4 days, once/day.
Take Tylenol 650mg twice to thrice daily after food for the fever and pains.
Drink plenty of fluids- very important. Also take steam inhalation three times daily for next 3-4 days and observe how you stay.
You still may need a visit to your local doctor to get a prescription so you can be able to purchase it to the local pharmacy.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr.Papaqako
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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