[44M] Experiencing severe cough, chills, and breathlessness
Patient Description
Show More
Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on your symptoms, here are a few possible conditions:
-
Influenza (Flu): This viral infection can cause fever, chills, cough, and body aches. It often comes on suddenly and can cause severe illness, especially in people with other health conditions like high blood pressure.
- Treatment usually involves rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medication to manage symptoms. Antiviral medication may be prescribed by a doctor if the flu is caught early.
-
Pneumonia: This is an infection in one or both lungs that can cause cough (often with mucus), fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
- Treatment usually involves antibiotics (for bacterial pneumonia), rest, and fluids. Hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases.
-
COVID-19: This is a viral infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Given the current pandemic, this is a possibility, especially considering your recent exposure to a sick child.
- Treatment usually involves rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medication to manage symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
What you can do
-
Seek immediate medical attention: Given the severity of your symptoms and your difficulty breathing, it's important to seek medical help as soon as possible.
-
Isolate yourself: To prevent potentially spreading an infection to others, try to stay away from other people until you can get tested.
-
Rest and hydrate: Make sure to get plenty of sleep and stay hydrated. This can help your body fight off an infection.
What you should look out for
-
Worsening difficulty breathing: If you find it increasingly hard to breathe, seek immediate medical attention.
-
Persistent high fever: A high fever that doesn't improve with over-the-counter medication is a sign that you should seek medical attention.
-
Confusion or difficulty staying awake: These can be signs of a severe infection. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I am an AI and not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.
Show More
Save
9 mo ago