Hello Doctor,
I have been experiencing chills, a bad cough, and a sore throat for the past two days. What could be causing these symptoms?
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
1. Symptoms and Possible Causes:
Chills, bad cough, sore throat for 2 days.
Likely viral infection: influenza or COVID-19.
Could be upper respiratory infections like pharyngitis or tonsillitis (pharyngotonsillitis).
2. Management for Viral Infections:
Most viral causes resolve without medication.
Stay hydrated with warm fluids.
Use simple analgesics like paracetamol for pain.
Consider antihistamines like loratadine for mucus.
3. Treatment for Bacterial Infections:
Antibiotics like erythromycin (500mg 12-hourly for about one week) may be necessary.
Continue with paracetamol (1g 8-hourly for three days).
Perform steam inhalation with warm water.
4. COVID-19 Considerations:
Isolation may be necessary.
Antiviral drugs may be prescribed within the period of infectivity.
Confirm with a COVID-19 PCR test kit.
Thanks
