[25F] Experiencing a range of symptoms including hot and cold flashes, nausea, and headaches

Patient Description

A 25-year-old female has been experiencing severe hot and cold flashes for 5 days, with hot episodes lasting 3-4 hours and cold episodes around 10 minutes. She also reports severe nausea for the same duration, rating it 7 out of 10, which sometimes leads to self-induced vomiting. Her eyes have been itchy, burning, and watering for 4 days, initially severe but now moderate. She has a throbbing headache, mostly at the top back of her head and behind the left ear, rated 8 out of 10 in severity, also present for 4 days. Additionally, she has a stiff neck, slight fever, slight cough, difficulty swallowing, and sores on her soft palate. She has been taking Tylenol and Allegra for symptom management. No known allergies, no other medications, and no pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses were reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, you may be experiencing:

  • Influenza (Flu): This is a common viral infection that can cause fever, body aches, headache, and respiratory symptoms. The flu can also cause nausea and eye irritation.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medication to manage symptoms. Antiviral medication may be prescribed if diagnosed early.
  • Mononucleosis: This is a viral illness often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It can cause fever, sore throat, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. It can also cause a rash and changes in liver function that can lead to hot and cold flashes.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medication to manage symptoms.
  • Strep Throat: This is a bacterial infection that can cause a sore throat, fever, and headache. It can also cause nausea and skin rash.

    • Treatment typically involves antibiotics.

What you can do

You should seek immediate medical attention given the severity and duration of your symptoms. In the meantime, you can:

  1. Rest and hydrate: These are important for recovery from most illnesses.
  2. Over-the-counter medication: This can help manage some of your symptoms. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
  3. Avoid contact with others: This can help prevent the spread of potential infectious diseases.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Severe headache
  • High fever
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Any other severe or worsening symptoms

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care.

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1 yr ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of influenza and how can it be treated?

Common symptoms of influenza include fever, body aches, headache, cough, sore throat, and sometimes nausea. Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms. Antiviral medications may be prescribed if diagnosed early.


How can mononucleosis be distinguished from other viral infections?

Mononucleosis, often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, can be distinguished by symptoms such as extreme fatigue, fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. A blood test can confirm the diagnosis. Unlike other viral infections, mononucleosis can cause prolonged fatigue and sometimes liver involvement.


What are the signs that indicate a sore throat might be strep throat?

Strep throat is characterized by a sudden, severe sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. It may also cause a red rash. A rapid strep test or throat culture can confirm the diagnosis, and antibiotics are typically prescribed for treatment.


When should someone with these symptoms seek immediate medical attention?

Immediate medical attention should be sought if there is difficulty breathing, a severe headache, high fever, severe abdominal pain, or any other severe or worsening symptoms. These could indicate a more serious condition requiring prompt treatment.


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