Last winter Mrs Airi Elo, 62, suffered from persistent flu symptoms annoyingly often. The latest episode could have turned bad. Fortunately, the right treatment was found in time. Airi suffers from asthma, but she did not let herself be discouraged. She likes to exercise and has continued with her activities.
Antibiotics When the weather began to cool last autumn, Airi experienced the first persistent flu, followed by an ear infection. After two–three weeks’ rest and treatment with antibiotics and ear drops, she was finally well.
Airi was glad to be fit for Nordic walking again. A few weeks later, she went for a walk with her friend, as usual. Afterwards she began coughing again.
“I was gradually getting worse, and finally I came down with a proper flu. My friend became ill, too. I guess we infected each other with some nasty germs,” Airi reflects.
Voiceless
for days
The flu began with coughing and rhinitis. Then Airi got mild fever and finally lost her voice. She could not even speak on the phone. Raspy whispering was all she could do.
Airi went to see the doctor, and a blood sample was collected from her fingertip for a CRP test. The purpose of the test was to find out whether she was suffering from a viral or bacterial infection. The doctor told her that since her CRP concentration was low, the condition was most likely caused by a flu virus.
The doctor prescribed medicine for the cough and rhinitis and gave clear treatment instructions. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, so they would have been of no use.
Again, it took her nearly three weeks to recover.
Sensitive
lungs
Airi used to work as a hairdresser before she retired. Nearly 45 years spent amid hair dust probably caused her exercise-induced asthma and reduced oxygen uptake.
“My doctor said that I get infections easily. I should use the asthma pipe and remember to take flu vaccines.”
Airi knows that if the flu hits her lungs she should not wait too long to see the doctor. Asthma patients get respiratory infections more easily than other people. They also have an elevated risk of pneumonia.
Unexpected
bronchitis
After a month, Airi was ill again: after returning from a holiday abroad, she developed a runny nose and cough. She was not getting better and then she got fever. It was time to see the doctor again. Her family doctor is a “determined young lady”.
“So, here we are again, we said to each other! I thought that the doctor must think that I come to see her just to get sick leave.”
Airi Elo is happy to be able to go nordic walking. The flu prevented her from exercising for several weeks.
The doctor did not think so at all – Airi was really ill again. The doctor sent her to the lab and ordered X-rays of the lungs and sinuses.
“The doctor told me that a CRP test would be performed to find out whether the infection was caused by a virus or bacterium. The X-rays were taken to check if I had shadows in my lungs that would indicate pneumonia. I have to confess that I was a bit scared.”
Airi was diagnosed with bronchitis. It is usually caused by a virus and does not require antibiotic treatment in otherwise healthy people. However, the doctor prescribed antibiotics and rest, because Airi’s CRP level was elevated and she has asthma, which means a higher risk of pneumonia.
“I’m glad I got proper medication in time and did not develop pneumonia."
Enjoy
your health
Persistent flu symptoms were depressing. Airi, who normally enjoys regular walks and gym exercise had to stay indoors and rest for long periods of time.
“I felt awfully tired all the time. The continuous bunged-up feeling was annoying. My chest hurt when I coughed.”
Now Airi enjoys being well again. Even the spring dust in the air cannot make her stay indoors. Exercise makes her feel good.
“I’m trying to take good care of myself; to exercise and keep a healthy diet. It is wonderful to be outdoors. The birds are singing so loud, and soon the lilacs will be in full bloom in our garden. That scent is unbelievable,” Airi rejoices.
Text Else Turunen | Photos Arto Wiikari