[41F] Experiencing fever, nausea, fatigue, and sharp body aches

Patient Description

A 41-year-old female presents with a one-week history of sharp body aches starting at the end of the spine, extending to the hips and legs, rated 10/10 in severity. The patient also reports a fever ranging from 99.7 to 101 degrees Fahrenheit over the past three days, fatigue, and nausea. The patient has a loss of appetite for approximately two weeks but has not noticed any significant weight changes. The patient's medical history includes psoriatic arthritis since 2014, psoriasis since 1990, and stage 3 breast cancer diagnosed in 2022. The patient is not currently on any medications and reports no known drug allergies. A recent Covid-19 test was negative.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, there are several possibilities:

  • Viral Infection: Given your symptoms of fever, body aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite, you may be experiencing a viral infection. This could be something like the flu or another type of viral illness. While you've tested negative for COVID-19, there are many other viruses that could cause similar symptoms.
  • Psoriatic Arthritis Flare: As you have a history of psoriatic arthritis, it's possible that you're experiencing a flare of this condition. Psoriatic arthritis can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in and around your joints, and can also cause fatigue.
  • Cancer-Related Fatigue: As you have a recent diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer, it's also possible that your symptoms are related to your cancer or its treatment. Cancer-related fatigue is a common symptom and can be accompanied by other symptoms like loss of appetite and body aches.

What you can do

  1. Rest and Hydrate: Regardless of the cause, rest and hydration are key to recovery. Try to get plenty of sleep and drink lots of fluids.
  2. Over-the-Counter Medication: Over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help to reduce your fever and body aches.
  3. Eat Small, Frequent Meals: If you're struggling with a loss of appetite, try eating small, frequent meals instead of three large meals a day. This can sometimes make it easier to get the nutrients you need.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your fever persists for more than a few days or gets worse.
  • Your body aches become severe or unbearable.
  • You experience other new or worsening symptoms.

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of a viral infection?

Common symptoms of a viral infection include fever, body aches, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and loss of appetite. These symptoms can vary depending on the specific virus.


How can a psoriatic arthritis flare be managed?

A psoriatic arthritis flare can be managed with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and sometimes disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized treatment.


What is cancer-related fatigue and how can it be alleviated?

Cancer-related fatigue is a persistent sense of tiredness related to cancer or its treatment. It can be alleviated by balancing rest and activity, maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and sometimes through medications or therapies recommended by a healthcare provider.


When should I seek medical attention for a persistent fever?

You should seek medical attention for a persistent fever if it lasts more than a few days, exceeds 103 degrees Fahrenheit, or is accompanied by severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or confusion.


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