I am weak and shaky after the flu. Is this normal?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I had what I believe was the flu. It started end of last month. I got mostly better, still had post nasal drip and persistent weakness. Got a worsened sore throat this week. I went to urgent care (as I am traveling) and was given Amoxi 875 for 10 days. Strep was negative. Lungs were clear. Throat clearing with the antibiotic but I am still weak. Is this normal or should I be concerned? By weak I mean, I do not really feel well after doing things like shower, grocery store for supplies, etc. I am not short of breath, just a little weak and shaky. How long after the flu am I safe from deadly pneumonia?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
From what you mentioned, you have experienced upper respiratory infection and you received appropriate therapy of antibiotics. Post-nasal drip is common after upper respiratory infection and will resolve over time gradually.
Regarding pneumonia, you should not worry about it as you have no symptoms like high fever, rapid breathing or wet cough with dark phlegm, also your chest X-ray is free as you mentioned.
Your weakness is most likely myalgia which accompanies the infection. It will improve within days.
Have you performed CBC blood tests?
I suggest:
- Drink plenty of warm fluids, it will help your throat.
- Eat healthy balanced diet.
- Panadol 1000 mg will be helpful for myalgia and headache that follow the flu.
- Zyrtec (Cetirizine) once daily as antihistamine will improve post nasal drip.
- Watch out for warning symptoms like wet cough, high fever, or rapid difficult breathing.
I suggest that you send me your chest X-ray if you have it in order to reassure you more.
For more information consult an internal medicine physician online.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
Not sure if I get to ask another question, but I was never tested for the flu and would like to get a flu shot to ward off the other types that hit later in the season and the off chance I did not have the flu even though I had every symptom but the high fever. How long should I wait to get the shot? After finishing the antibiotic?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
It is recommended to receive the flu vaccination annually before the winter season preferably in October. You can take the shot now there is no contraindication. For further advice please do not hesitate to follow up.
For more information consult an internal medicine physician online.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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