What are the early symptoms of post-flu pneumonia?

Question

Hey,

I was suffering from flu-like symptoms that began 3 days ago. These included:

Dry Cough
Muscle Ache [legs and lower back]
Fatigue
Fever
Chills
Nausea

Just recently those symptoms have subsided (I'm still a little weak, but no fever, chills or muscle ache) and my cough has started to produce phlegm.

I noticed this morning that I am coughing up green-colored stuff. I am wondering if this is a sign of post-flu pneumonia. I don't have a fever, or a sore chest. I'm not having any trouble breathing. Is pneumonia likely when the coughing is my only symptom? What are the normal early stages of pneumonia? Is coughing up colored phlegm a normal part of my dry cough becoming a productive one?

I'll likely see a doctor if it persists for more than a few days or worsens, but any insight is mucho appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

Sounds like the flu settled in your respiratory system. As long as you have no shortness of breath or chest pain and the cough is productive just drink lots of fluids. Hot tea is very good for helping to keep the phlegm moving. If it gets too annoying take an expectorant like mucenex.

If it continues for more than a week with no improvement then see a doctor.

Feel better!