Regular Flu- How high a fever before concern?

[ktfabian]

Hi,

First, let me say there is little to no  chance I could have swine flue.  I've only been to church here in PA, and we don't have anyone sick.

However, I've come down with a bug my husband had.  This is definitely the worst I've felt in a while.  I have a temp. of 101.6 (but my normal temp is 97.6) so don't know if that's considered. My neck and head ACHE, as do some of my joints, like wrists and hips. I'm already on an antibiotic (zithromax)  and taking tylenol, sudafed when my headache gets unbearable, I'm wheezing despitpe an albuteral inhaler every 6 hours. I'm also a bit nauseas. It's a bit hard to drink fluids because my throat is so sore.

I know this isn't pneumonia or anything yet, but I've looked at my Sjogren's books, and they never tell you when to step up your treatment.  I did talk to the family doctor on call, and he said not to let it go another 24 hours. (I told him about my SjS, steroids, Rituxan and Arava).

How high do you  all let a fever go before you get concerned? Same for the wheezing, aching, headache, joint pain?

Thanks,
Tracy

[JannaLee]

Tracy honey,

They said on the news last night,  "Any time you have the flu and your fever goes over 101, you should go to the doc."  And they were talking about a healthy person! 

I think for you there is the added risk of catching something additional in the Dr. Waiting room, so when you go in (I think you gotta go in), maybe wear a mask!?

Is your temp still above 101 this morning?! 

Janna

[lilbitz]

Hi Tracy,

     I have to agree with Janna you should go in to see the doctor especially if you are wheezing.I hope you do not have the swine flu but with everything going on I would not chance it.I am so worried about this flu hitting us.Where at do you live in PA. if you don't mind me asking? I also live in PA. Hope you start feeling better soon and please go see your doctor.

[Scottietottie]

Hi - I thought the advice about flu was to contact your doctor but NOT to go see him - unless he arranges it - because that's how the bug spreads.

I haven't had flu for a long time but the 3 last times I have had it - it was a job to even go to the bathroom. There is no way on earth I could have looked at a computer. I even had to get someone else to pphone in sick for me cos I couldn't make it to the phone. When I get flu I usually run a fever of about 104.  As say - I haven't had it for a while but I sure remember what it feels like.

Phone your doc for advice.

Take care - Scottie 

[Epson]

I have had an insatiable taste for pork chops, could this be the first sign of swine flu

[Sparkle]

You sound very sick  and you should definitely call the doctor.  You may need Tamiflu and from what I understand it is most effective during the early stages of the flu.

[ktfabian]

Hi and thanks for the response-

I grew up with a mother that, no matter what was wrong with me, always told me I was overreacting every time I was sick.  I stilll have the hesitancy to pick up the phone and call the doctor, even though I know my health issues are real now.

Anyway, my temperature dropped back down to normal this morning, but I've spent the entire day either napping on the couch or napping in the recliner.  Anything more energetic is out of the question.  I'm still wheezing, have a headache and achey joints.  I called the doctor's office this afternoon, but she'd already gone.  Since my temp. was back down, I didn't ask that they get in touch with her, I'll call in the morning.

My husband just went to pick up dinner and I'm heading back to the couch.  Thanks again, as always, for your help.
Tracy

[Scottietottie]

Hi Tracy 

Don't mess with the wheezing!  A temperature alone often will come down on its own with rest and lots of liquids and as you know antibiotics are hopsless against viruses. I wonder if anti virals are being stockpiled somewhat right now?

Breathing difficulties, wheezing etc are definitely things docs should investigate!

Take care - Scottie 

[Scottietottie]

Epson - got a text from Mim earlier (can't take the credit) Text as follows:

Called the swine flu hepline tonight but couldn't get through. All I could hear was crackling...............................

[irish]

Tracy, You have a lot of health issues with the autoimmune disease plus you are on the Rituxan---it is time to call the doc and make an appt to see him ASAP.

Remember that fevers are usually low grade or normal in the morning and can spike in the afternoon. If you are wheezing and on antibiotic you can still have pneumonia. Can have a viral pneumonia in fact. You are SICK. It really doesn't matter which flu it is you need further assessment.

Remember to wear the mask so you don't give it to others. If you don't have a mask keep a mans handky in front of nose and mouth when you breath---preferably moistened with water as it is easier to breath. Also, just a reminder that even though you go someplace (like church) and no one is sick there can still be people who are having just enough symptoms to "shed" the virus. May not be actively coughing, etc but still can be contagious. It really is a crap shoot!!! Irish

[dbab]

I know I'm kind of late on this... just catching up.  Just wanted to check on you Tracy! 

Also for all, please remember that when you are on immunosuppressants... your "true" fever could be worse than what the thermometer reads.  Immuno suppressants and steroids can mask a fever.  When you call your doc to tell them your temp, also tell them that you are on immunosuppressants so they can determine your need for medical attention.