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What Causes Fatigue And Lack Of Appetite While Recovering From Viral Infection?

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Posted on Mon, 8 May 2017
Question: Hi I came down with bad cold sinuses about nine days ago I was put on augmenting for seven days nine days later my nose feels less clogged as does the sensation of pressure I still feel fatigued and I have no appetite could the lack of appetite be connected to antibiotics the med really affected my stomach should I be concerned about the fatigue or does it take time to fully recover from a virus
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
the virus probably

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

first of all is the lack of significant improvement with treatment usually means that the antibiotic did not provide any help, either because the pathogen was resistant to it or because it was viral (so no antibiotic could have helped). Feeling tired after viral infections is common, particularly for influenza. The fatigue may last for a few days to a couple of weeks. I doubt it's the antibiotic that caused your fatigue, although I can't examine you for signs of various potential causes like anemia for example.

If your symptoms are getting better and you don't have fever then you can wait it out. Otherwise you should visit your doctor again for a new assessment.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (3 minutes later)
Thanks for timely reply I do not believe I'm anemic I just had a complete physical three weeks prior could this be post viral fatigue
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes it could

Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
It could be post-infectious fatigue as I said but nobody can be absolutely certain about it. Whether you were anemic before the infection is not relevant as the infection itself may cause anemia in some cases (not very frequently though). Your doctor can identify signs of significant anemia with clinical examination and of course a blood test may provide more definite clues for anemia, electrolyte disorders and other potential causes of fatigue.

So the bottomline is that your symptoms should guide your actions. If you've seen significant improvement then you can just wait. If you have not, then a re-assessment might sound like a better idea.

Best wishes!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

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

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3818 Questions

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What Causes Fatigue And Lack Of Appetite While Recovering From Viral Infection?

Brief Answer: the virus probably Detailed Answer: Hello, first of all is the lack of significant improvement with treatment usually means that the antibiotic did not provide any help, either because the pathogen was resistant to it or because it was viral (so no antibiotic could have helped). Feeling tired after viral infections is common, particularly for influenza. The fatigue may last for a few days to a couple of weeks. I doubt it's the antibiotic that caused your fatigue, although I can't examine you for signs of various potential causes like anemia for example. If your symptoms are getting better and you don't have fever then you can wait it out. Otherwise you should visit your doctor again for a new assessment. I hope you find my comments helpful! Kind Regards!