Human West Nile Virus infection - how is it diagnosed? Should I go to ER?

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ALottoWin@yahoo.com - 17 Aug 2005 00:53 GMT

Over the past three weeks I have been feeling bad with something. When
I read the symptoms for Human West Nile Virus Disease, I could tell
that my symptoms were the same as those for this disease. Usually, I
know, my diagnosis is wrong and probably I have a simple old virus
making me sick. Symptoms are: feeling that I have a fever and sweating,
but no measurable fever; fatigue; drowsiness; mild sore throat;
difficult swallowing; something in throat; swollen glands front of
neck; sore back of neck; constipation.

I have an appoinment with my doctor in a week, because now he is on
vacation, Should I just wait or should I go to ER? This does not seem
like an emergency only something causing me to lose time to do
important things.

Any ideas?

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Carey Gregory - 17 Aug 2005 03:59 GMT

>Over the past three weeks I have been feeling bad with something. When
>I read the symptoms for Human West Nile Virus Disease, I could tell
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
>Any ideas?

Rule of thumb: If you've already survived three weeks (or three days) with
a given condition, then it's probably not a true emergency and going to the
ER will mainly just get you a hefty bill and advice to rest, drink plenty of
fluids, and see your doctor. Pretty expensive advice your mother would have
gladly given you for free.

However, I can imagine this is not pleasant and you would like to be done
with it. Three weeks is a long time so it's worth checking out. Doesn't
your doctor have another doctor covering for him while he's on vacation?
(Have you asked?) Are there walk-in clinics in your area? Do you have an
insurance plan with one of those ask-a-nurse numbers to call? I would seek
a doctor, but an ER should be your last choice.

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