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Could it be something other than flu?

Sent to Health Experts July 23, 2006 11:45 a.m.

My husband is 66 years old, a diabetic and had heart bypass surgery 2 years ago. He broke his foot in February but otherwise is in pretty good health. He rarely gets a cold. He has had fever (101) off and on, tiredness and body aches for 7 days now. No congestion, cough or other symptoms that make the connection to flu. I took him to the doctor last Wednesday and she gave him antibiotics and nausea medicine. We have taken them for 5 days now and he is not getting better. He sleeps most of the time, wakes up hungry but nothing taste good so is barely eating. Could these symtoms be coming from something other than flu? We live in Texas so the temp is over 100. Do people get the flu in the hot summer? Please help me find another cause for these conditions. Thank you.

Optional Information:
Male , Age: 66

Already Tried:
Avelox 400mg (moxifloxacin HCI) 1 daily, promethazine 25 mg and Ibuprofen

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $15

Answer
July 23, 2006 12:01 p.m. (16 minutes and 11 seconds later)

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Hello and Welcome to Just Answer,

I know what you mean about Texas, because I live in Texas. This sounds like it may be a viral infection, not bacterial. The flu is generally viral, and antibiotics will not help with this. It just has to run its course. Yes, the flu has been where I live with these same symptoms. I would recommend that you give him something with Tylenol in it, if he can have that. Ibuprofen is good for body aches, but Tylenol will bring the fever down. You can alternate the two and he should feel better. I am sure that his blood sugars are probably a little high because he is sick. Be sure and monitor this as well. He needs to drink lots of fluids, because dehydration witll cause the fever to rise. Gatorade is great and it comes in all flavors. It will replace the electrolyes in the body that he needs. I would continue with the medication that the doctor gave you. Usally sitting in a tepid bath also helps. Also I am sure they make diabetic type popcicles or sherbert, which will help with the fluid intake. I am more concerned with his fluids than eating meals right now. But he does have to eat some because of him having diabetes. If by Tuesday he is not better and you have tried all the above, I would give the doctor a call back and let her know that this is not getting any better.

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Pam Russell RN

Pam -- Nurse (RN) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 312 Health Accepts
17 years of RN experience. Most of my experience has been Director of Nursing.

Reply to Pam
Sent July 23, 2006 12:38 p.m. (37 minutes and 30 seconds later)

Thank you Pam. The fluid intake is difficult as he says even water doesn't taste good. He says the fresh tea taste bitter and the Gatorade is too sweet. I'll keep trying. I was worried that he might have a bone infection since they just removed the plate and screws from his ankle break 4 weeks ago. I forgot to mention that to you earlier. However, there is no redness or excessive swelling in the ankle and the wound has healed. We know diabetics take longer to heal. Yes, his sugar readings are around 250 so we've increased his insulin to help bring it down. We'll continue with this treatment for a couple more days. Thanks

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on July 23 2006 at 12:40pm

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
July 23, 2006 5:40 p.m. (5 hours and 1 minute later)

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Pam -- Nurse (RN) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 312 Health Accepts
17 years of RN experience. Most of my experience has been Director of Nursing.

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