Chills and Potentially Infected Cyst on My Neck
I’m a 30-year-old male providing some background on my situation. Recently, I visited urgent care due to a painful, red, and warm lump on my neck — a condition I've documented in an image. The healthcare provider prescribed a course of antibiotics, which I haven’t filled yet, but I definitely intend to follow through with the medication. What’s concerning for me is the onset of chills and diarrhea I’ve experienced since this morning. Luckily, I don’t have an actual fever, with my temperature hovering around 98.9 degrees. If my symptoms escalate and I develop a real fever, should I head to the emergency room, or would it be better to start the antibiotics and see if they help over the next few days?
Answers (1)
8/1/2025, 8:02:10 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a concerning situation involving a potentially infected cyst and the new symptoms of chills and diarrhea. Here’s a structured response to your concerns:
Main Points:
- Starting Antibiotics: It’s important to start the antibiotics as prescribed.
- Monitoring Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms, especially for any signs of escalation.
- When to Seek Help: A new fever or worsening symptoms warrants immediate medical attention.
Explanation:
The lump on your neck could be an abscess or an infected cyst, which often requires antibiotics to help resolve. Your chills and diarrhea are new symptoms that could suggest your body is fighting an infection, but they also need to be monitored closely. The absence of a true fever currently is reassuring, but your elevated temperature and other symptoms do require attention.
Next Steps:
-
Start Your Antibiotics: Fill your prescription and begin taking the antibiotics as directed. This is crucial for addressing the infection.
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep track of any changes, particularly:
- Development of a fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C)
- Increased redness, warmth, or swelling around the lump
- Worsening chills or diarrhea (especially if it becomes severe)
- Keep track of any changes, particularly:
-
Stay Hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially if you have diarrhea, to stay hydrated.
-
Seek Urgent Care:
- If you develop a fever, or if your chills and the lump's symptoms worsen significantly, seek medical help immediately.
- You should also seek help if you experience central abdominal pain, blood in your stool, or any other new concerning symptoms.
Taking these steps can help manage your current condition and prevent any complications. If you have more questions or concerns as you go through this, don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
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