What Causes Chills Along With Body Pains?

Posted on Sat, 7 Mar 2015

Question: I had an abscess on my chest, presumably caused by an irritated cystic pimple, about two months ago. Within a few days it became infected, which is when I saw a doctor who opened, drained, and packed it twice. A month later, it began to return, but I was able to keep swelling down with ice, and it was gone within about 48 hours. Now, it returned yet again, and once again, I was able to keep swelling down with ice and it then drained on its own. About 24 hours after it drained, I am now having chills and body aches. Is it possible this is from the abscess or could I simply be coming down with the flu or other illness?

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Chills and body aches can be due to the abscess

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.

With the history you have provided , your problem of chills and body aches looks to be related to the abscess which has drained out inadequately.

I would advise you to have an ultrasonography of the area so that the actual size, depth and extent can be known. The recurrent nature of the abscess indicates that
it needs to be 'excised-in-toto' including its wall to have a permanent cure.

You may please also get following investigations before starting the antibiotics:
Blood - To whether white cell count has increased , Sugar to rule out diabetes.
Pus - for gram staining and culture sensitivity before the antibiotic is started to get proper results.

This will help us to give you proper antibiotics. Continue with Advil thrice daily.
You may please take a second opinion of a Surgical specialist to get this properly operated so that you can get a permanent cure.

I hope this answer helps you to get a proper diagnosis and treatment towards permanent cure. Please feel free to ask further relevant queries if you need to or if you feel there is a gap-of-communication.

Wishing you early and permanent recovery.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (11 minutes later)

Thank you so much. In researching the symptoms, it seems MRSA is a big concern and warrants a trip to the ER. Would this be necessary? I am trying to figure out the urgency of seeing a doctor. For clarification, the abscess site feels only slightly raised now and bis no longer red or irritated-looking.

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Better to visit ER.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your appreciation.
Pus culture and sensitivity will help to know whether this is MRSA or not.
A visit to ER may be worth it as this will help for early diagnosis and you may be started on appropriate treatment, get a proper advise for further course of actions to be taken. You may please discuss about the things we are discussing.

I have a feeling this is a bit urgent as you are also having chills and body ache.

The nature of the the skin may not show the actual signs once the pus is drained and you take Advil. It is needed to have proper investigations to get to the root of the problem and get properly treated for permanent cure.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (10 hours later)

I went to the ER this morning, and although my ears, nose, and throat all looked good, the PA said she thought the chills and body aches are probably the flu. Upon examining where the abscess was, she said it did not feel like anything was still in there and immediately ruled that out, saying there was no way the abscess could have gotten further into the body or chest wall. None of that makes any sense to me though after all I have read about being sure not to mess with an abscess in order to prevent the abscess from spreading. I'm feeling very hesitant walking out with only a prescription for Tamiflu. Is there any follow-up advice you could provide?

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Continue Advil and Tamiflu - Get Doctor's opinion

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
I can understand what you may be feeling like.
PA are of course well trained, yet if it is possible try to see a Doctor for proper evaluation.
Please continue Advil three times a day after food. Take Tamiflu as advised.
Anyways, you have to get the evaluation and further treatment for the abscess till it is cured as we discussed above.

Please feel free to discuss further as you may need.

Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar