Yesterday, I had swine flu on my mind — I’ve been running a low-grade temperature since Wednesday, and was worried that it was an indicator of something serious. I decided yesterday that if I still had a fever today (Saturday), I’d go to the local walk-in clinic.
I woke up this morning still feeling that old familiar body ache and headache. A check of the digital thermometer showed that sure enough, I was still running a fever. Off to the clinic I went!
There was a big sign on the door saying that if a patient was experiencing a cough or fever, they should ask for a face mask… so I did. (My glasses immediately fogged up — face masks and eyewear don’t always play nice together.)
The doctor was wearing a face mask, too, and thanked me for wearing mine. After the usual weight, temperature, and blood pressure check, we went through my symptoms: several days of fever, body/joint ache, headache. Then she asked me about other symptoms — cough, sore throat, earache, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Many of those (especially the cough/sore throat) are symptoms of seasonal flu and swine flu.
But really, the fever and associated body aches are my only real complaint. My nose and ears are relatively clear. My glands aren’t swollen. None of the sinus pressure points are bothering me.
The final verdict? I’ve got a virus, and it has to run its course. As long as I’ve still got this pesky fever, I have to stay home. In fact, I’m contagious for twenty-four hours after the fever breaks. If any other symptoms turn up, I should go back to the doctor. Otherwise, it’s rest, fluids, and pain/fever relievers until I’m feeling better.
I’m very glad it’s not something serious and scary. I feel a lot better having a doctor’s opinion to counteract the little voice of fear. And I know what to watch for in case this little virus decides to turn into something worse than just a fever.