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What Causes Stiffness In The Neck, Headache And Fever After Travelling By Flight?

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Posted on Wed, 28 Sep 2016
Question: I just returned on a long flight from France, 340 people on the plane.
I started with stiff sore neck, shallow cough, tender head, fever, then terrible headache and diarrhea for the past 4 days. Trying to figure out what this is and if I should go to hospital.
YYYY@YYYY
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ralph Chambers (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Hello. You do need the hospital right now

Detailed Answer:
Hello. The combination of stiff neck, headache, and fever would be classic for bacterial meningitis. It's possible that this is just the flu, but you shouldn't take that chance. You need immediate evaluation with an exam, blood work, and an MRI scan of your brain. Meningitis can be effectively treated with the proper antibiotics but the sooner those are started the better.

Please let me know if you need to discuss this any further
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Ralph Chambers

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1976

Answered : 2130 Questions

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What Causes Stiffness In The Neck, Headache And Fever After Travelling By Flight?

Brief Answer: Hello. You do need the hospital right now Detailed Answer: Hello. The combination of stiff neck, headache, and fever would be classic for bacterial meningitis. It's possible that this is just the flu, but you shouldn't take that chance. You need immediate evaluation with an exam, blood work, and an MRI scan of your brain. Meningitis can be effectively treated with the proper antibiotics but the sooner those are started the better. Please let me know if you need to discuss this any further