Your Symptoms: Flu Concerns for High School Students - Influenza

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Hello! It sounds like you’re experiencing a range of symptoms that can be concerning, especially in the context of the current pandemic. Let’s break down what you’re feeling and discuss some possible next steps.

From your description, you have a mild fever (with temperatures ranging from 35°C to 37.6°C), fatigue, headaches upon standing, shoulder pain, a bit of nasal congestion, a cough, and some vomiting. Additionally, you mentioned having a sore spot on your tongue. These symptoms can be indicative of several conditions, but given the current health climate, it’s wise to consider the possibility of a viral infection, including COVID-19, flu, or another respiratory virus.


Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Fever: A temperature of 37.6°C is considered a low-grade fever. While it’s not excessively high, it can indicate that your body is fighting off an infection.

2. Fatigue and Weakness: Feeling tired and lacking energy is common when your body is dealing with an illness. This can be due to the body’s immune response to infection.

3. Headaches: These can occur for various reasons, including dehydration, tension, or as a symptom of a viral infection. The fact that it happens when you stand up might suggest a drop in blood pressure or dehydration.

4. Muscle Pain: Shoulder pain can be a result of tension or strain, but it can also be associated with viral infections.

5. Respiratory Symptoms: A mild cough and nasal congestion can suggest a respiratory infection. The presence of these symptoms, especially in the context of a pandemic, warrants attention.

6. Vomiting: This can be a response to various factors, including viral infections, anxiety, or even something you ate. Since you mentioned it has improved after taking anti-nausea medication, it may have been related to your illness.

7. Sore Tongue: A sore spot on your tongue could be due to a variety of reasons, including irritation, a canker sore, or even a viral infection.


Next Steps
Given your symptoms and the current health concerns, here are some recommendations:
1. COVID-19 Testing: If you have any concerns about COVID-19, especially if you have been in contact with someone who tested positive, it would be prudent to get a rapid test or PCR test. Even if your mother thinks you might be overreacting, it’s better to be safe and informed.

2. Hydration and Rest: Make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids and getting enough rest. This is crucial for recovery from any illness.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If they worsen or if you develop new symptoms (like difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a high fever), seek medical attention immediately.

4. Follow Up with a Doctor: Since you already visited an ENT specialist, consider following up with your primary care physician or a healthcare provider who can assess your symptoms more thoroughly. They may want to run additional tests or provide specific treatments based on your condition.

5. Mental Health: It’s also important to consider your mental well-being during this time. Feeling anxious about your health is normal, but if it becomes overwhelming, talking to someone about your feelings can be beneficial.


Conclusion
Your symptoms could be related to a viral infection, but without further testing, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what’s going on. Taking proactive steps like testing for COVID-19 and consulting with a healthcare professional will help you get the clarity and care you need. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. Take care, and I hope you feel better soon!