[19F] Experiencing a range of symptoms including sore throat and fever
Patient Description
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on the symptoms you've provided, you may be experiencing one of the following:
-
Influenza (Flu): This is a common viral infection that can be deadly, especially in high-risk groups. The flu attacks the lungs, nose, and throat. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches, and fatigue.
- Treatment: Antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. They also can prevent serious flu complications, like pneumonia.
-
Strep Throat: This is a bacterial infection that can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. Strep throat accounts for only a small portion of sore throats.
- Treatment: If you have strep throat — which is caused by bacteria — your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to kill the infection.
-
Mononucleosis: This is often called mono or kissing disease. This virus is transmitted through saliva, so you can get it through kissing, but you can also be exposed through a cough or sneeze, or by sharing a glass or food utensils with someone who has mono.
- Treatment: There's no specific therapy available to treat infectious mononucleosis. Antibiotics don't work against viral infections such as mono. Treatment mainly involves taking care of yourself, such as getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids.
What you can do
- Rest and hydrate: Make sure you're getting plenty of sleep and drinking lots of fluids to help your body recover.
- Over-the-counter medication: Over-the-counter cold medications can help alleviate symptoms like a runny nose, congestion, body aches, and fever.
- See a doctor: If your symptoms persist for more than a week, or get worse, you should see a doctor. They can perform a physical examination and possibly do some blood tests or a throat swab to get a better understanding of what's causing your symptoms.
What you should look out for
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in your chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful health information, this advice is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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10 mo ago