Can antivirals still help severe flu after 3 days?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 28 years old and I started experiencing symptoms of flu three days ago. I have been suffering from a high fever, body aches, cough, stuffiness, chills, and sweating. My fever is persisting at 103°F in spite of taking Acetaminophen frequently.

I also have difficulty keeping food down and feel extremely weak. Since I work in a hospital, I am worried that I may have exposed patients before realizing I was sick. I also saw my roommate’s young children shortly before symptoms began.

I would like to know whether it is too late for antiviral medications such as Tamiflu or if they may still help at this stage.

Should I be concerned about complications such as pneumonia?
How long am I likely to remain contagious, and when would it be safe for me to return to work around vulnerable patients?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I have read your query and understand your concern.

Your symptoms certainly seem to be serious, especially given that you have a constant high fever, body aches, cough, congestion, and trouble keeping food down. As a health care professional with contact with vulnerable patients, you need to consider your condition seriously and concentrate on recovering from your illness and preventing the spread of infection.

Medications against the flu virus like Oseltamivir are effective only when taken within 48 hours of the onset of the symptoms. Still, antiviral drugs may help even if the period has exceeded 72 hours in case of severe symptoms.

You must immediately consult your doctor to determine if antiviral therapy is suitable in your situation.

You must also be careful about any possible complications that may arise from your symptoms such as pneumonia or dehydration. Seek urgent medical attention if you develop worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, bluish lips, inability to tolerate fluids, or persistent high fever despite medication.

People with influenza are generally contagious from about one day before symptoms begin until at least five to seven days afterward.

Since you work around high-risk patients, it is safest to return to work only after being fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication and once your symptoms are clearly improving.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.