How can a 35-year-old cope with the symptoms of the flu?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 35 years old, and I have been suffering from the flu for over ten days now, but I am still not feeling any better.

The fever is gone, but the weakness, dizziness, and heaviness in my chest are really bad. My test result for COVID-19 is negative. My oxygen level is fine, but I cannot work normally. Even walking gives me shivers. Work is pushing me hard, and I don't know what to do.

How can a 35-year-old cope with the symptoms of the flu for over ten days without getting any relief?
Does the flu take this much time to recover from?
Am I suffering from pneumonia or post-viral?
How long do I wait before seeking further treatment?
Am I ignoring any serious symptoms while just being told to rest?

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq. com.

I have read your query and am sorry to hear about the discomfort you are experiencing.

Tiredness and weakness after flu infection are quite common, but by day ten, there should already be signs of improvement. It is worth seeing a physician if there is no improvement and signs of weakness, dizziness, and heaviness in the chest are noted.

In my opinion, this can be a protracted course of post-viral syndrome. Nevertheless, other conditions that may cause such symptoms as pneumonia, anemia, dehydration, or other complications need to be excluded from the differential diagnosis.

It is recommended to visit a doctor or an urgent care center on the nearest day to undergo a physical examination and further examinations like a chest X-ray and blood tests.

Get immediate medical help if any of the following occur:

Breathlessness.
Pain in the chest is getting worse.
Reappearance of high body temperature.
Confusion.
Fainting.
Decrease oxygen saturation levels.

I would suggest some ways to treat it:

Take rest.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Do not return to work before your condition starts getting better.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.