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What Causes Fluctuating Body Temperature After Suffering From Flu?

Posted on Tue, 30 Dec 2014

Question: I have had the Flu For 2 weeks. The first week I hurt all over and could barely breath or eat. My Temperature would jump up and down between 99 to 103. The second week and still now I do not have the aches, but my temperature keeps going up and down. At night my temperature jumps up between 100 and 101. During the day it goes back down to between 98.6 and 99.6 . Do I still have the flu and what should I do.
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query and understand your concern.

Flu is a viral infection caused from Influenza virus .It is a self-limited condition what means that usually it doesn't need any specific treatment and after running it's course , the symptoms clear up gradually.
Flu symptoms may last up to 2 weeks.Having a low-grade fever (subfebrile temperature ) is characteristic for viral infection.
You don't need to worry .

You should rest a lot, eat healthy foods mostly green vegetables, drink plenty of fluids .This is very important to avoid dehydration.
You should make sure that you eat well because your body needs a lot of energy to fight the infection.Eat a lot of fruits to take the necessary amount of vitamins (oranges,citrus , lemons are great for Vitamin C).

For a body temperature of 100-101 you don't need to take any antipyretic drug (like Ibuprofen or Tylenol).

If after 1 week you continue with such symptoms or if your symptoms get worse you should consult a physician and get examined.
The most common complication after a viral infection like flu is a secondary bacterial infection.If your symptoms get worse of persist consult a physician because you may have a secondary bacterial infection and you may need to take antibiotics for this.

Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubts to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (31 hours later)

My temperature has now stayed down, but now I have a constant upset stomach and I am tired all the time. Just getting up to go to the bathroom just about wares me out. Is there anything I can do about it?

Thanks, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
proper rest and nutrition is all that you need.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Well upset stomach is due to flu.Feeling tired is very common when you have a viral infection.
Since you have had a high body temperature for some days ,you might have a little dehydration.
Your body needs some time ,with proper rest and nutrition to recover properly.
For now you need to rest a lot, eat healthy foods rich in minerals and Vitamins.Take a lot of fruits and drink plenty of fluids.
Since you are feeling an upset stomach eat small frequent meals instead of 3 major meals.
You will feel better day after day.

I wish you a quick and complete recovery.
Take care,

Dr.Rovena

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (45 hours later)

How long can I expect to have this upset stomach? It has been almost a week that I thought I was past the flu, but still have this constant upset stomach. I have been trying to eat real healthy and it is still not working. I am not used to feeling sick like this all the time. Until I got the flu 3 weeks ago I had not been sick in probably 9 or 10 years.
Please help me feel normal again. My husband is really getting frustrated with me not feeling well also.
Thank You,XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
it may need some more time.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I really apologize for the delay in answering you.

It may take some more time for the symptoms of upset stomach to pass.
You should avoid fatty ,processed foods ,spicy foods,coffee, juices.
Eat small frequent meals and drink plenty of fluids.
You can try Omeprazole OTC 20 mg once a day before meal and Domperidone 10 mg three times a day before meals for a week or until you feel better.

Let me know if you need further help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena

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