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Suggest Treatment For Sore Throat And Sinus Headaches

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Posted on Tue, 2 Aug 2016
Question: Sorry, wasn't done. 74 year old white female in good health. Yesterday had sudden onset of very sore throat and sinus headache. Some drainage, some coughing. Today, from sinuses in head to lungs feel like they're on fire. But no fever. I'm figuring I have a virus something or other. But am wondering if I am contagious without having a fever. (I still work full time and hate to spread this fun to the whole office.) Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, unfortunately you are contagious.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

I'm sorry you have this. It does sound like a virus.

In answer to your question, even without a fever, you are contagious.

If you don't have allergies, you might want to switch your Allegra-D to just the
"D" part which is the decongestant pseudoephedrine. You have to buy this from behind the counter too (not off the shelves).

Be sure to drink plenty of water so that the guaifenesin in the Mucinex can do it's job.

Have you ever had this "fire" sensation before? And have you used pseudo ephedrine before? Because I am wondering if the fire sensation is from inflammation from the virus, or from being overly dried out from the decongestant.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Sore Throat And Sinus Headaches

Brief Answer: Yes, unfortunately you are contagious. Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, I'm sorry you have this. It does sound like a virus. In answer to your question, even without a fever, you are contagious. If you don't have allergies, you might want to switch your Allegra-D to just the "D" part which is the decongestant pseudoephedrine. You have to buy this from behind the counter too (not off the shelves). Be sure to drink plenty of water so that the guaifenesin in the Mucinex can do it's job. Have you ever had this "fire" sensation before? And have you used pseudo ephedrine before? Because I am wondering if the fire sensation is from inflammation from the virus, or from being overly dried out from the decongestant.