Experiencing Some Unusual Symptoms
Hello! I'm a 14-year-old guy, and I woke up today with a notably painful throat. Aside from that, the only other issue I had was a bit of a cough. Just four hours later, things took a turn for the worse, as I developed a fever accompanied by body aches. Currently, my temperature is at 102 degrees, and I’m experiencing nearly all of the common flu-like symptoms. It has been around 14 to 15 hours since I first noticed these issues, and I recently conducted a flu test, which fortunately came back negative for both the flu and COVID-19. I'm a bit puzzled about what might be happening, so if anyone has any inquiries, feel free to ask!
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 7:00:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned when you're experiencing these symptoms, especially at a young age. Your symptoms suggest that you may be dealing with a viral infection, possibly related to a common cold or another type of respiratory virus since your flu and COVID-19 tests have come back negative. Here are some key points and what you can do next:
Explanation:
- Sore Throat and Cough: These can be common signs of a viral infection. Sometimes allergies or irritants can also cause throat pain or cough.
- Fever and Body Aches: A fever indicates that your body is fighting off an infection. Body aches are also typically associated with viral illnesses.
- Since the flu test is negative, it’s likely that it’s something less severe, but it’s good to take care of yourself and monitor your symptoms.
Next Steps:
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids (water, herbal tea, or broth) to help your throat and overall hydration. This can ease symptoms and help your body.
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Rest: Give your body a chance to recover. Prioritize sleep and limit physical activity until you feel better.
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Manage Fever: You can take over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to help reduce fever and alleviate body aches if you are not allergic and it’s safe for you to do so. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on how you feel over the next few days. If your fever persists for more than three days, or if you develop new symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, or very severe sore throat, it’s important to seek medical attention.
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Comfort Measures: Gargling with warm salt water can help relieve throat pain, and using a humidifier can ease coughing.
Remember, it’s normal to be anxious about how you’re feeling, especially when illness strikes suddenly. Focus on taking care of yourself, and if you have any uncertainties or your symptoms worsen, consider speaking to a healthcare provider for further guidance. Take care!
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