Has brufen (must be taken on a full stomach) improved your pain?
If yes, then it will improve in another day or two.. However if the pain still persists then you must see a doctor.
@all,
This is the problem with flu infections, especially viral infections... There's no treatment except conservative (ie supportive) management such as steaming regularly, warm salt water gargling, panadol for fever.
However a non medical person can't diagnose whether he has viral or bacterial infection and should consult a Doctor if his issues aren't resolved by the aforementioned supportive management in two days. Any general practitioner will work as long as he examines the throat and ear if necessary
Viral infections are terrible... They have a long after effect too (more pronounced in old people and even young people who don't have a good healthy diet) which is known as post viral syndrome... You will feel lethargic and very down like in flu. The best thing to do is to 'feed the flu' in such cases.... Eat good healthy food even if you don't feel hungry... Your flu will go away early and you won't have to suffer this post viral syndrome.
Ear aches can be a sign of a bad infection, quite common but should be looked into. They are quite painful and if they don't go away in a day or two after taking a strong pain killer its wise to consult an ENT (ear nose and throat) doctor.
Summary of supportive management of flu:
1. Get out bed, wear a sweater or jumper immediately. Don't take it off till you get back into bed at night. Keep yourself warm at all times.
2. Gargle twice - thrice a day with luke warm water with salt.
3. No cold drinks
4. Plenty of hot drinks like tea and cava
5. Avoid spicy food-irritates the throat
6. If you've a feeling of heaviness in your face and head steam yourself thrice a day,vicks helps
7. Eat plenty of food even if you don't feel hungry
8. Drink plenty of water
9. Rest well. Take a day off from work, you will feel much better the next day if you give yourself time to recuperate.
10. Dry your hair as soon as you come out of the shower.
11. Sleep well, at least 8 hours.
12. If you feel feverish check with a thermometer and if it's an actual fever (ie above 99 degrees farenheit) then take 2 tablets panadol preferably after meals thrice a day for 3 days. If you don't feel better after 3 days consult your local doctor
13. For severe sore throat with cough and sputum go see a doctor.
Sorry if I missed any points, other doctors here can provide further info.
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