Mysterious low fever for a month. Help Please!

[wcl]

I have this low fever (up to 37.4, fluctuate during the day) for about a month. It started five weeks ago. Suddently I felt sick( chills, fatigue, loss of appetite) and measured the temparature about 37.4 (I use the old glass (mercury) armpit thermometer). I was very concerned at that moment since I was just back from China two weeks ago. I went to see the Doctor. However, Doctor said it probably just some virus-caused infection(cold, flu).No medicine was prescribed. However, I didn't have other important symptoms (soar throat, sneeze, running nose, etc.) amd almost didn't cough. Over the Easter weekend, I felt a little bit better although the low fever was still hanging there. I went out to visit some friends for couple of days. The second day(Tuesday) I was back to work, I felt sick again. This time more symptoms besides the low fever-muscle ache, fatigue, some ear pain, some headache, no appatite for food, chills, some cough; Especially, I felt some soar/pain at my upper right chest (the right corner area from above the breast to armpit). My blood test seems fine and I am waiting for the result of my chest X-Ray, although the doctor could not hear any thing from lungs. I am now taking antibiotics. Those ear pain, headache, seems improved however the fever is still there. I am really concerned since I never had such illness before. Could anyone give me some advice. Thanks.

[National Jewish]

The appearance of your symptoms and the lack of response to antibiotics make a viral illness the most likely cause of your problem.  The fact that you have just come back from China is a red flag.  This should suggest that you speak to an infectious disease specialist or your local hospital infectious disease expert to obtain blood testing.  As you know, for whatever reason, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in the US has been much less virulent than in China.  However, with the description that you have given, I would recommend you take the next step now to prevent possibly exposing others.

[ccctalks]

Did your doctor just assume it was a virus, or did he actually check you for SARS?  You have the symptoms, and considering where you just were, it's a very strong possibility.  You may want to restrict your social life until you get it checked, especially considering the amount of people you've been around.

[ccctalks]

Symptoms of SARS

In general, SARS begins with a fever greater than 100.4°F [>38.0°C]. Other symptoms may include headache, an overall feeling of discomfort, and body aches. Some people also experience mild respiratory symptoms. After 2 to 7 days, SARS patients may develop a dry cough and have trouble breathing.

[Jouni]

wcl, what is you status at the moment. Have you found real reason and good medication to your problem? I live in Beijing and I have had similar problem for more than month now. In the beginning I hade sore throat and low grade fever 37.5C. Now throat is better, still some cough, very little actually, and temperature tends to go up to 37.2C during day. I feel tired, appetite is quite ok, but I have lost 2 kg weight during this time. I have also got 2 courses of antibiotics but those didn't help. Influenca test A and B was negative. Blood white cell count bit high.



Sounds that we have similar problem so I would be very interested hear the latest from you.



Br,



-Jouni