I hadn't had a stomach flu or food poisoning in years, but this year I've had it five times, and this last time my neck hurt through the whole thing, and it lasted a week instead of the couple days it had before. That was a few weeks ago and now I can feel the symptoms coming on again (including the neck pain), and I've already been throwing up for three days. What's wrong with me?
I know the neck pain is indicative of viral meningitis, but it seems unlikely I could be getting it twice. Am I the unluckiest person I know or is there something seriously wrong with me?
2007-10-29 15:15:27 · 8 answers · asked by mina_lumina 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
I know a flu is a respiratory virus. I use the word flu instead of gastroenteritis because that is common practice when people talk about gastroenteritis or food poisoning. Most people call is a "stomach flu" and I have found myself being misunderstood when I try to call it anything else. Go easy on me, I'm sick.
2007-10-29 15:25:47 · update #1
I'm 25, married with a 16 month old daughter who does not go to daycare. The weird thing is, neither my husband or daughter has had any of my symptoms at all, but twice my best friend has gotten it at the same time as me, and this time my boss is talking about the same symptoms. No one else gets it, though.
2007-10-29 15:29:17 · update #2
Neck pain associated with flu can happen without it being indicative of meningitis. One way to check (although ANYTIME you are concerned about meningitis immediately see your doctor) is the "chin to the chest" method. If you can touch your chin to your chest, it's likely not meningitis (I'm not a doc so always check with your doc).
Two things hit me. It does appear there are several 'bugs' going around this year so it could be you're luck is just bad.
You didn't give many details. Are you married? Have children that go to school? Been doing a lot of airline travel?
What is your age? Given that you're vomiting it's unlikely but if you are between 13 and 25, it "could" be mononucleosis; especially if you're at College.
It's very unlikely its food poisoning unless you're eating from the same source and then getting sick within 24 - 36 hours.
How is your stress load? If your stress is very high or sustained, you may be messing with your immune system and you could well have something akin to chronic fatigue syndrome. If not that, you could simply be making yourself more susceptible to virus' due to the weakness of the immune system.
If you haven't seen your doctor in awhile, go in and get a full physical and talk about your stress level. It could well be the most helpfull thing for you.
Hope this was helpful and good luck.
Techbankguy
2007-10-29 15:23:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work in a pharmacy and I've seen ALOT of of patients this year with this same kind of situation. Maybe the virus is adapting, you know like the flu, and we're becoming more prone to it. And the fact that you are getting it back to back, your body isn't having enough time to build you immune system back up either. If it keeps happening, go to the doc.
In the meantime, get some rest, maybe try Prilosec OTC or some mylanta.
2007-10-29 15:32:09 · answer #2 · answered by ♥Sondra♥ 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You may be susceptible and have a lower immunity against the virus. Sometimes you may not kill the entire virus and it kind of stays in your systen and erupts again. I would make sure this time around that if you get anti-biotics to take them all until that bottle is empty. Some people tend to save some when they feel better and this is not good for your bodies immunity. Your body could allow it instead of killing it off.
2007-10-29 15:20:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't give you medical advice as to the nature of your illness, but I STRONGLY suggest that you go to your primary care doctor about your situation..
If it is something serious (and contagious), it would be a bad idea to be around others at this point in time...
I do hope that you get better!
2007-10-29 15:19:41 · answer #4 · answered by docj 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take Advill & use a Heating Pad for your neck, As far as The Flu? I like Alka Seltzer & gingerale & orange juice & rest.
2007-10-29 15:18:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not a doctor, but I strongly suggest going to one. A recurring illness is a sure sign that something is wrong. Be careful what you eat and go to the doctor now.
2007-10-29 15:18:44 · answer #6 · answered by Mag 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Flu is a respiratory virus... not a stomach virus....
Second: go to your doctor and have this evaluated.....
2007-10-29 15:19:38 · answer #7 · answered by ♥♥The Queen Has Spoken♥♥ 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
really mini you should get checked by your doctor
2007-10-29 15:20:08 · answer #8 · answered by brian_2266 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋