flu symptoms

[his3707]

To all,I dont want to over react to having flu symptoms.  I am not on treatment, dont have any signifcant liver disease yet.  This is the first time I have been sick since I found out I have hep c. of course I dont know how long I have had it.  probably as long as 30 plus years.  I am 51.   I live in the fort worth area and it seems like the media is scareing everyone.  I have not been to the doc yet but have a fluctuating temp of 100 to101.7   I would like to let my immune system take care of this.  I really dont even want to take an IBP or Tylenol.  Will taking a fever reducer make it so your immune system wont kill the INFB or A.  I did get some tama flu for emergency .  I heard that people with liver disorders should be vaccinated.  I dont want to get a vacine.  But, I have done a lot of stupid things in my life and would hate to let something like the flu take me down.  I plan on treating in 2010 or 2011 if I can hold out.   After babling here some I guess what I really want to know is when should I start taking the over-the counter meds.  What is the general consensus please.    

[his3707]

I just took some theraflu with tylenol in it and feeling better already

[annieCinMD]

Absolutely right. Your body is producing interferon right now. Has nothing to do with whether the virus will be dealt with. They instruct us to take tylenol and other fever reducers while treating to deal with the sides. So take your tylenol and feel better soon!

[his3707]

Thanks Yes I do feell like &%^$.  Im thinking this is what some of the possible side effects from interferon must be like.  Isnt our natural interferon  what is making me have a fever now? Doesnt the fever help kill the influenza or any virus?  So you are saying that if I take a fever reducer it will have no effect on wether the virus is delt with.  

[annieCinMD]

Take the Tylenol now. If you don't have any significant liver disease, what's stopping you? Why suffer with a fever and other flu symptoms. I'm trying to get vaccinated on Tuesday, if they have the vaccine. If they don't, oh, well, I might get the flu. I'm talking the regular flu shot, H1 N1 shot is unavailable to my age group. I'm not worried about it. I'll probably be throwing some nyquil in the mix with the tylenol if I get sick...

[Bill1954]

Most of us use Tylenol; even if you have significant fibrosis, it's fine if used in moderation. Good luck; I hope you don't feel cr@ppy too long from the flu,

Bill