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1806721 tn?1554333407

Viral carditis or normal flu symptoms?

I had a cold since Monday, spike a 102.2 fever Thursday night, took Tylenol around the clock to control the fever, but fever always comes back after a few hours - been hanging there like this for the past three days and nights (most recent temp at 103.3).  As the fever prolongs, I get short of breath and my heart rate goes up to 140s, very uncomfortable even when I am just lying and doing nothing.  I'm 42 years old, ever since I turned 18, I've not had a fever this high.  When I was young, I do remember very high fevers elevated my heart rate to 120s.  Doctor said that was normal with the fever.  But then my friend told me that this could be signs of carditis.  Can someone with experience clarify what carditis feels like?  How can you tell if what you're having is just the flu or some kind of complications?
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973741 tn?1342342773
My son was diagnosed with influenza A ironically earlier this week. One thing I wasn't aware of is that the heart rate increases significantly with fever.  Those changes are normal.  Glad you are feeling better!
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973741 tn?1342342773
Hi, sorry you have been feeling so bad sweetie!  So, viruses are a pain. Flu is easy to test for so if you have been to the doctor, they do a quick test and can tell you if it is the flu or not.  The fact that the fever didn't come on immediately makes me think it probably isn't the flu though.  Viruses can have fevers associated with them. And the thing about a virus is it has to run it's course.  Fevers are uncomfortable but actually the bodies way of trying to recover.  I like ibuprofen a little better for fever's and pain relief myself.  

Now, something that does happen is a secondary infection.  So, you start with the rhino virus or cold and then end up with an upper respiratory infection.  This would include things like bronchitis, sinusitis or pneumonia, etc.  There is also viral pneumonia that comes with fever.  

Complicated, right?  What I'd do is see your doctor. That will put your concerns to rest and you don't have to wonder if it is anything serious. Urgent care works for this kind of thing too.  Use lots of hand sanitizer/wash hands to keep those around you from getting sick.  

Come back and tell us how you are!
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I've recovered.  It's some kind of viral infection after all.  After the fever went away, my heart rate suddenly dropped from 150+ to low 50s other worsening shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chest pain, etc.  This lasted for a few days, then I started having explosive watery diarrhea and vomiting.  I was very weak and miserable after being sick for almost two weeks.  Luckily, after the GI symptoms calmed down, I finally started feeling better as my body was able to flush out the viruses.  Still don't know if it's flu or not, but I did call a doctor friend who reassured me that these were likely flu symptoms.  Glad that I waited it out rather than risking going to the doctor's office to get Cross infected with something worse given my already weakened immune system.
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