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HOW CAN YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE??

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Posted 10/14/2009 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
 How do you know the difference between a flare and the flu? I have been fighting something since Sunday, which I originally thought was the flu, then I thought no, it's a nasty flare and then today when I woke up, I felt like, once again, it is the flu. I just don't know the difference. My nose is not running, but my entire body hurts so bad and the normal pain I have is much more intense. I also am feeling a "heaviness" in my chest, like the beginnings of a chest cold. Basically I'm miserable. Fortunately, I work at home, so I have no worries about giving this to anyone, if it is the flu.

and, my second question. I have an appt with my rheumy tomorrow...took six weeks to get it...if I have the flu...should I still go? I feel guilty that I might infect other patients in the waiting room...what would you do?

take care

Miriam

Posted 10/14/2009 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
Do you have a fever?  That is the only way I can tell if I have a 'bug'.  If you don't I would go to the rheumy.
Posted 10/14/2009 7:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Miriam, I have been flaring for over two weeks now and have been super achy all over.
Last weekend I started sneezing, feeling a sore throat and coughing up thick phlegm. I was
also worried that I might have the flu. I went to the doctor this morning, my temp was at 99.
I did not have the flu but a sinus infection and chest cold. The doctor prescibed Spectracef
400mg 2x daily for 10 days. I was told any time you start coughing up colored phlegm you
need to see a doctor. Hope you are feeling better soon!

Hugs

Robin
Posted 10/14/2009 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
My "normal" temperature is 97.6. I just took it and it is 98.8 ish, so I guess I have a fever??? I am very headachy...besides all the other aches and pains...just shoot me!!
Posted 10/14/2009 8:42 PM (GMT 0)
My 'normal' temp is low too.  If I have 98.8 I consider myself sick.  Poor Miriam.  I'll tell you what I tell my kids (even though they are all grown men).  Drink plenty of fluids.  Force yourself even if you don't feel like it.  I hope you feel better soon.
Posted 10/14/2009 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
Miriam, my advice is go to the doc! You worked hard for an appt, you are sick now and can talk with the doc about other things and the doc can help you distinguish between the two. Let us know how you feel and what the rheumy says.
Posted 10/14/2009 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
thanks so much everyone. I really do want to keep the appointment. This doc works in a huge practice so there are many patients in the waiting room, but...it is a huge waiting room. I know, germs spread like wildfire. I guess I'll wait and see what I'm like tomorrow. Only problem with that is if I cancel, they will charge me my copay of $50, so I think I just answered my own question :)
take care everyone,
Miriam
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