
What Causes Upper Respiratory Viral Infection, Mild Fever And Continuous Productive Cough?

Question: My wife contracted an upper respiratory viral infection one month ago, with a low fever, continuous productive coughing and malaise. Our local ER at first prescribed Prednisone, Ventalin, Robitussin with codeine and Tessalon. After two weeks we returned and they prescribed Zithromax and more rest. As of now, she's without fever, an occasional dry cough...but still very tired. Can this type of illness take this long or even longer to fully recuperate from? She is 67 years old and otherwise in good health.
Brief Answer:
Please upload test results if available.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
Appreciate your concern for your wife.
Prednisolone is usually not prescribed for viral infection but for asthma. So your wife probably had signs of an exacerbation of asthma for the doctor to prescribe Prednisolone and Ventolin.
She was later given an antibiotic for a bacterial infection.
These can make her feel tired. It should subside and she would normally regain her health soon.
However it would be good to check her blood sugar if it was not done.
If any blood test or Xray was done, I shall be happy to comment on them if you upload them.
Wish her a quick recovery
Please upload test results if available.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
Appreciate your concern for your wife.
Prednisolone is usually not prescribed for viral infection but for asthma. So your wife probably had signs of an exacerbation of asthma for the doctor to prescribe Prednisolone and Ventolin.
She was later given an antibiotic for a bacterial infection.
These can make her feel tired. It should subside and she would normally regain her health soon.
However it would be good to check her blood sugar if it was not done.
If any blood test or Xray was done, I shall be happy to comment on them if you upload them.
Wish her a quick recovery
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

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