What Causes Fluctuation In Temperature After Recovering From Flu?

Posted on Wed, 8 Apr 2015

Question: I was sick with the flu for over a month and though all the symptoms have subsided now, I am having unusual temperature fluctuations now, usually in the late afternoon and evening. My temperature goes from 97.2 to 100.6, cycling up and down, sometimes within a short period.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need to know the cause of fever

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

From what I understand, you are suffering from febrile sickness with temperature fluctuations for a month now. This concerns me. Febrile illness which has lasted for a month should be throughly investigated. This should not be neglected any further. This is how you should go about it

1. Approach a general physician as soon a possible. He should be trained in internal medicine
2. Initial work up should include complete blood count, chest x Ray, urine routine
2. Ultra sound abdomen should be done
3. there are many non infectious causes of fever , like vasculitis and malignancy, this should be ruled out as a next step
4. proper recording of Temperature using a conventional thermometer is a must
5. I usually admit the patient and investigate thoroughly , I recommend the same to you

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (32 hours later)

Based on your advice, I have attempted to find an internist. I am new in a small ru town in Northern New Mexico and don't have a family doctor here, though I am trying to find one (no one I have contacted so far is taking new patients. ) The soonest I can get an appointment with the team of internists affiliated with the hospital here is three weeks from now. Meanwhile, although I can't put my finger on it, I feel like I am getting worse. I am so tired I can hardly get out of bed and even though my temperature never gets much above 100 degrees, I feel feverish all the time - chills one minute, burning up the next, body aches, general malaise. I have told the dr at the urgent care center who treated my flu symptoms about the fever and he says it sounds like I still have the flu. He says I can come in and be rechecked but he's never run a blood test (or any other test) and all he's every prescribed for me was cough medicine and an over-the-counter nasal spray. He has also told me that he only is allowed to treat urgent care patients and that I need to find a regular dr. Since I can't find anyone to treat me, is it appropriate to go to the ER for such minor symptoms, simply because they've gone on for over a month?

sorry for the typos

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

I am really surprised by your healthcare system, it is unfortunate that it takes over 3 weeks to meet an internist.

I understand that the ER does not want to entertain patients who are not critical. The only other option for you would be to go to atleast a GP and run the tests I have suggested. I am sure you can meet atleast a GP sooner than 3 weeks.

Flu does not last for over a month, it usually lasts a week and gets better then on.

Regards

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