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What Causes Flu Like Symptoms After An Insect Bite?

Posted on Tue, 4 Oct 2016

Question: About two weeks ago I noticed what looks like bites on my bottom, and legs. They are very itchy. I am married and have children. No one else in the family has any bites. I started to feel flu-like symptoms on Thursday, September 8. I have a sore throat, joint pain, I am dizzy and I have a headache. I have had a mild fever over the last few days. When I went into the doctor on Friday morning, they told me I have mosquito bites and fluid behind my ear. They swabed me for strep which came back negative. They put me on an antibiotic and gave me cream for the bites. I do not feel right, I feel worse today then I did 3 days ago.

Answered by Dr. Raju A.T (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Insect borne viral illness

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

Most of the viral illness share similar symptomatic profile, differing only in severity. Any viral illness would usually last for a week, with or without cover antibiotics. Only the symptomatic treatment is considered to provide relief.

I would like to know what did the bite marks look like.
Did bite site present any rash later ?
Is there any itching still at the site ?

Do you know of any insect borne viral fever in your locality ?

Waiting for your response,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Raju A.T (34 minutes later)

Hello Dr. XXXXXXX

Thank you for your help.

I have answered your questions below.

I would like to know what did the bite marks look like.

I have added two new photos to the documents section which shows what the bites look like.

Did bite site present any rash later ?

To me, it seems like they spread, like a rash and not a bite.

Is there any itching still at the site ?

Yes, they are very itchy. They seem to get irritated very easily, clothes rubbing, shower, ect.

I forgot one question

I live in Kansas outside of Kansas City. We do not hear of Insect borne viral illness very often but it has happened.

Answered by Dr. Raju A.T (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No images

Detailed Answer:
Hi,'

Thanks for the information.

I did not find the attachment.

Please reattach or mail them to YYYY@YYYY

Waiting for the same,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Raju A.T (9 minutes later)

I have attached two photos..

I emailed those photos your way. Thank you again!

Answered by Dr. Raju A.T (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Non specific

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for the images.

The bite marks appear non specific. Could be due to mosquito.

The symptoms you have could be viral illness unrelated to the bite. Continue the symptomatic treatment you are on. If the symptoms do not subside or get aggravated do get blood tests like platelet count and Dengue NS1antigen assay. These will rule out dengue and any serious viral infections which need special care.

Wish you good health.

Regards,

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