Ask a doctor on the topic of General medicine

Flu that doesn't go away

February 1, 2015 | 35,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med Ralf von Seckendorff

I caught a very bad flu, worse than I have in a long time.

Progress:
On Sunday, 01/25/2015, I started feeling weak in the afternoon. In the evening, I started experiencing mild joint pain. The next day, I had a high fever, almost 38.4 degrees Celsius. I had very strong joint pain, especially in the lower back area, as well as in the entire neck. I couldn't move my head. I also had very sharp pains in my sinuses, sometimes radiating to my ears. Swallowing was painful. I didn't have a runny nose, and I could breathe freely. My hands were cold, I was freezing, and I also had chills.

On Monday, 01/26/2015, I went to see my primary care physician. She didn't even look at my throat or listen to my chest. She prescribed IBUFLAM 600 for me and gave me a sick note. That was it.

Since Monday, I haven't been able to sleep at night or during the day. My body can't rest. Honestly, I don't want to live anymore. The fever didn't get better, and neither did the other symptoms. On the contrary, the fever sometimes rose to 39.6 degrees (in the evening), even though I was taking up to 4 IBUFLAM 600 tablets a day (maximum dose). Then I started experiencing additional intestinal issues, severe bloating and burping. On Friday, I went to see another doctor. She listened to my lungs, bronchi, and heart. My heart was okay, and my lungs and bronchi were clear. I told her everything. After she looked at my throat, she quickly said we should add broad-spectrum antibiotics. She also mentioned that the IBUFLAM probably caused damage to my intestines due to overdose.

She prescribed:

1 x Broad-spectrum antibiotic ELOBACT 500 mg, 2 x daily, for 6 days
1 x NOVAMINSULFON 500 mg, 3 x daily 20 drops, as a replacement for IBUFLAM 600
1 x PANTOPRAZOLE-ACATAVIS 20 mg, to be taken half an hour before the other medications in the morning, as I had bought IBEROGAST for severe burping. She also advised me not to take it anymore.

Progress since Friday:

Since Friday, I have been taking the new medications. Saturday, 01/31/2015: The fever is still around 39 degrees in the evening and at night, and around 38.4 during the day, as it was before. But I notice that the pain in my neck and lower back is decreasing. Is that a good sign for me? The doctor has extended my sick leave for next week. Do we really have to suffer so badly when we get the flu? Is this the dreaded influenza flu that can be prevented? I haven't had a flu shot in the last three years. Do you have any tips on how I can get rid of the severe pain in my lower left abdomen faster? When I burp, my throat burns. Or does it just take time, and patience is required? I'm not eating anything, just drinking lots of tea, water, bananas, and toast. And occasionally smoking out of desperation.

Thank you for answering my questions.

Dr. med Ralf von Seckendorff

Good day, I am happy to help you.

You are describing a course of illness that could actually be a real case of influenza. The sudden onset with high fever, severe body aches, and no runny nose is not quite typical for a common cold caused by cold viruses. However, real influenza usually goes away on its own, it just takes a bit longer (unfortunately sometimes up to 2 weeks or longer, but often shorter as well). This can be confirmed with a nasal swab, but this only has therapeutic consequences at the very beginning. Within the first day, antiviral medication like Tamiflu could be given, but it may only slightly shorten the duration of the illness, and often not at all. After 24 hours of illness, it is unfortunately too late.

Elobact as an antibiotic only helps against secondary bacterial infections (it is unclear if you even have one). Overall, you will need some patience. The fact that your body aches are improving is a good sign, and it is likely that you will soon feel better. You should continue to rest and drink plenty of fluids. If Ibuprofen upsets your stomach, you could consider taking Paracetamol 500 mg instead of Novalgin. It seems that your body is slowly getting the virus under control based on your description. Perhaps after this experience, you may consider getting vaccinated next winter, as many people change their minds after going through this (including myself).

I wish you a speedy recovery and all the best.