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What Causes Flu?

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Posted on Tue, 21 Oct 2014
Question: Hi there

Been having flu like symptoms for over a week now but no cold or fever just feeling weak and hot all the time with aching muscles but no temperature. I felt something somilar a month ago but recovered in a week.

Had blood for fbc, thyroid, diabetes and glandular fever all good except for slightly raised creatine kinese of 450.

My question is if i have a virus wouldnt that show up in the blood and what else should i do ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Roopa Hiremath (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Flu is selflimiting and recovery within 15 days

Detailed Answer:
Hi,


Welcome to health care magic.

I understand your concern regarding slow recovery from flu.

Flu is caused by influenza virus and is a self limiting disease with patients recovering within 15 days.

A person with a stronger immunity recovers faster.

I suggest you take multivitamin supplements and fresh fruit juices to replenish your energy and also boost your immunity.

Coming to creatine kinase levels, it is one of the markers for myocardial injury.

But rise in only this marker does not predict your condition but it does call for further investgations.

I suggest you get in touch with a cardiologist for a detailed exam to rule out coronary disease.

For any viral illness, bed rest is a must.

Take adequate rest and you can take over the counter pain medication for myalgia and fever.

Please get back if any more queries.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Roopa Hiremath (2 minutes later)
Hi but would flu not have a fever and runny nose and why would it not show up in a full blood count?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Roopa Hiremath (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Viral illness presents with myalgia and weakness

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome back.

Though typical presentation of flu is with fever and upper respiratory symptoms , atypical presetations are possible.

But almost all viral illnesses present with myalgia and weakness.

Coming to blood count, the only indication of viral fever could be rise in white blood cells which occurs in any infection and is non specific.

Lymphocytes may be increased particularly in chronic viral illnesses.

But as flu is self limiting and patient recovers within a week, significant changes may not be detected in blood count.

Specific serological tests can be done like ELISA to detect antibodies
against specific virus.

For now, I suggest you get a cardiologist opinion.

I hope I have cleared your doubts.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Roopa Hiremath (15 hours later)
Hi there today i have woken up feeling a little less achy but my throat is on fire and full of mucus and i have blocked nose. Is this suggesting virus
doctor
Answered by Dr. Roopa Hiremath (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Sorethroat can be either viral or bacterial

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome back.


Sorethroat can be caused by both viruses as well as bacteria.

I suggest you get in touch with a GP nearby you and get your throat examined.

Salt water gargles will help reduce the pain.

You can use otrivin nasal drops for blocked nose.

If your sorethroat is bacterial you have to get prescription for antibiotics and painkillers for the next 5 days.

Thanks.
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Roopa Hiremath

Infectious Diseases Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 877 Questions

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What Causes Flu?

Brief Answer: Flu is selflimiting and recovery within 15 days Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to health care magic. I understand your concern regarding slow recovery from flu. Flu is caused by influenza virus and is a self limiting disease with patients recovering within 15 days. A person with a stronger immunity recovers faster. I suggest you take multivitamin supplements and fresh fruit juices to replenish your energy and also boost your immunity. Coming to creatine kinase levels, it is one of the markers for myocardial injury. But rise in only this marker does not predict your condition but it does call for further investgations. I suggest you get in touch with a cardiologist for a detailed exam to rule out coronary disease. For any viral illness, bed rest is a must. Take adequate rest and you can take over the counter pain medication for myalgia and fever. Please get back if any more queries. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Thanks.