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What Causes Stiff Neck And Night Sweats Along With Fever?

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Posted on Tue, 18 Nov 2014
Question: Hello I got sick on Tuesday at first it was stiff neck and fever night sweats , next day felt ok until night time then became sick and I went to ER and they told me my blood work and test for the flu was all negative I cant seem to shake this off do youhave any ideas
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
More information needed

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

you haven't provided many details about your situation. I'll ask a few questions:
- did you have respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose, stuffiness etc)?
- headache?
- diarrhea? Abdominal symptoms?
- frequency or other symptoms from the urinary tract?
- swollen glands?
- rigor?
- other medical problems?
I've read about the flu test. Will you please also provide the results from the blood tests? They can be very helpful.
I'll be waiting for you answer.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (43 minutes later)
Yes my throat hurts and I do have a headache diarrhea just started today also but i only feel good when i take motrin and Tylenol and it last 5 to 6 hours then back to normal be sick Idk what eles to do . Blood work came up negative for the flu and no bacteria infection
Also I don't have an appetite and I'm very thirsty just wish I can figure it out
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Probably viral infection then

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
thanks for the input. Although your presentation of the laboratory tests has not been so detailed, I gather that "no bacteria infection" is true. A good way to answer the "bacterial vs viral disease" question is to check the complete blood count and c-reactive protein (CRP). Elevated white blood cells (the polymorphonuclear cells mostly) and a high CRP points towards bacterial infection.
The sore throat indicates an upper respiratory tract infection. The diarrhea can accompany such infections (particularly the viral ones).
Influenza cannot be ruled out despite the negative test. Since you have no medical history it does not make a real difference anyway.
Most viral disease cannot be treated with curative intent. They just go away by themselves. You can take paracetamol 500-1000mg every 4-6 hours. Please do not take more than 4-5grams per day. If you need a more potent symptomatic treatment you can try non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provided you don't have contraindications to them (renal disease, peptic ulcer, uncontrolled hypertension, allergy etc).
If you don't get better after 4-5 days (or you get worse) then you should visit your doctor (or the ER) again because even the most benign illnesses may get complicated. The fever is a good indicator of your status. Make sure you take enough fluids to compensate for increased losses by perspiration and fever. You should add at least 500mL of fluids to normal consumption per day for each degree of Celsius above normal. For example if you have 38.8 you should drink 1L more than usual.
I hope I've helped you!
If you have further questions, please ask. I'll be glad to answer.

Kind 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. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3810 Questions

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What Causes Stiff Neck And Night Sweats Along With Fever?

Brief Answer: More information needed Detailed Answer: Hello, you haven't provided many details about your situation. I'll ask a few questions: - did you have respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose, stuffiness etc)? - headache? - diarrhea? Abdominal symptoms? - frequency or other symptoms from the urinary tract? - swollen glands? - rigor? - other medical problems? I've read about the flu test. Will you please also provide the results from the blood tests? They can be very helpful. I'll be waiting for you answer. Kind Regards!