[21F] With persistent high fever and systemic symptoms

Patient Description

A 21-year-old female presents with a persistent high fever of approximately 102 degrees Fahrenheit lasting for 7 days, accompanied by chills, severe shaking, night sweats, and body aches. The patient's C-reactive protein (CRP) level is elevated at 10.8. Despite negative results from two Covid tests, the symptoms persist. The patient has been managing the fever and pain with alternating doses of Advil and Tylenol every three hours, which provide temporary relief. The aches are described as sharper during fever spikes and duller after medication. The patient also reports a severe headache and neck pain on the right side, with all the right-side neck lymph nodes being inflamed, but no other lymph node groups are affected. There has been no recent injury or accident reported, and the patient's weight has remained stable. The patient has not experienced these symptoms prior to the past 7 days.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, possible diagnoses include:

Infections: Given your high fever, chills, sweats, body aches, and high CRP, you may have a bacterial or viral infection. The swollen lymph nodes on the right side of your neck could be a response to an infection in that area.
- Treatment would depend on the type of infection. Bacterial infections are typically treated with antibiotics, while viral infections are usually managed with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms.
Mononucleosis: Also known as "mono" or the "kissing disease," this is a viral infection often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Symptoms can include fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the neck.
- There's no specific treatment for mononucleosis. Rest, good nutrition, and drinking plenty of fluids are the best ways to relieve symptoms.
Other conditions: There are many other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including autoimmune diseases, certain cancers, and other types of infections.

What you can do

Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A healthcare provider can perform a physical examination and order tests to help determine the cause of your symptoms.

In the meantime, continue to stay hydrated and rest as much as possible. You can also continue to use over-the-counter medications like Advil and Tylenol to help manage your fever and body aches.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Severe headache or neck stiffness
Confusion or difficulty staying awake
Severe abdominal pain
Any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I am not a doctor. Always seek the advice of a healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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11 mo ago

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