What steps can I take to improve my worsening flu symptoms?

Question

Hello doctor,

I became sick yesterday, and it just seems to be getting worse. I can barely stay awake. I have flu-like symptoms, including severe aches in muscles and joints, pain and tiredness around the eyes, weakness or extreme fatigue, warm, flushed skin, red and watery eyes, a headache, sore throat, runny nose, and fever. In addition, I have been exposed to the flu virus at my workplace. I am currently on DayQuil and Excedrin.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

This is the flu season, and winter started out of nowhere. This sudden change in weather leads to more flu cases than cold weather, which kicks in gradually. People are not acclimatized yet, so it is highly suggested to observe all preventive measures at the workplace where close contact with coworkers is inevitable. As you have got the flu, it can be either due to a viral or bacterial attack. Symptoms in both cases overlap, but treatment options differ. We prescribe antibiotics only in case of bacterial infection, and to be sure, I suggest you go for a throat swab test to rule it out.

Suppose on physical examination, the primary care physician feels it is more like a bacterial infection of the throat. In that case, the doctor may start antibiotics like Amoxicillin or Penicillin and send a throat swab for culture to the pathology laboratory. As the results are in hand, your doctor may inform you if this was a true bacterial infection. Medications are adjusted accordingly.

You are taking DayQuil (Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, and Pseudoephedrine) and Excedrin (Aspirin, Paracetamol, and Caffeine), which is alright. I recommend you visit your PCP (primary care physician) as soon as possible for proper evaluation, as discussed above. Meanwhile, keep taking these medications to keep the symptoms in check to some extent. Take proper rest, plenty of fluids, and a balanced and healthy diet. Avoid spices, fried and fast foods, sodas, cigarettes, and excess alcohol. Keep yourself well hydrated.

Hope it helps. Please feel free to ask more if you have further queries or any unanswered points. I would be more than happy to assist you right away.