What Causes Headache, Vomiting, Fever And Body Stiffness While Treating Bronchitis?

Posted on Tue, 21 Jun 2016

Question: Hello, my 47yr old husband has been feeling unwell since Wednesday evening, slight fever and generally just not himself. He went to a walk in clinic on Thursday and they prescribed antibiotics for bronchitis which is what they diagnosed him with. He took the dose on Thursday and Friday, but since Friday he has had a really bad headache, some vomiting on Saturday and is still fighting the fever, it has been as high as 102. We are treating it with advil and tylenol, every 4-6 hours. He has no other symptoms apart from a headache and some stiffness in his body, he does not have a rash. He is having lots of liquids.
What else, should we, can we be doing? Should we be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Headache and fever

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

I am sorry your husband continues to be ill.

If there has been no cough or respiratory symptoms, I am not sure why he was diagnosed with bronchitis.

Headache and fever can be from a number of different infections. Strep can cause this, but there is usually a bad sore throat, and the Amoxicillin/Clavulanate usually will cover that.

Some intestinal viruses (which are more common in spring) can cause fever and headaches. The vomiting could be related or could be from taking the antibiotic (stomach irritation).

With a high fever, muscle aches/stiffness is common, and some people also get headaches with a fever.

That said, I think he should be seen again. In person, they can get some sense of the severity of the headache and his overall degree of illness. They should get a complete blood count (CBC) and look for sources of infection. Given that there was some concern about bronchitis, a chest X-ray might be in order now too.

It may still be a passing virus, but I am concerned about the combination of high fever plus headache, and I think it is time to go back in. If he is comfortable enough to sleep tonight, go in tomorrow. If his headache is quite bad, please go in to the ER tonight.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (10 minutes later)

Thank you Dr.Berger-Durnbaugh, I have just checked in on him and he says that his headache is slightly better, but still running a fever. 102. I will keep an eye on him this evening and will make him go to the clinic tomorrow. Should I be worried that this could be contagious, I have a 12yr old and run a very busy daycare. Worried for myself?

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
About contagiousness

Detailed Answer:
It is most likely contagious (your husband probably picked it up from someone), but you and your child can do some things that will help you to not get it:

1. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you have washed your hands immediately before and not touched any surfaces between hand washing and when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

2. Alcohol wipe a few key surfaces: light switches, landline phone (if you use one), computer key board/mouse (if you share one), water faucet.

But the main thing is not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth!

3. Get good rest.

I hope your husband starts feeling better soon and you and your 12 yr old stay healthy.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar