What Causes Muscle Weakness And Numbness While Suffering From Viral Fever?

Posted on Tue, 7 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 7 Apr 2015 Answered on

Tue, 28 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My 15 yr old son was confirmed with influenza B virus earlier today. Took him to urgent care as we are on vacation. He now is complaining of arm and hand numbness, both sides. Should I be concerned and run him to emergency? He just started tamiflu this morning.

Thanks
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You can be patient and observe further.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

Viral fevers like this can manifest with muscle weakness. I think that the feeling of numbness is not something that would make you rush him to the emergency. But nevertheless, if possible, keep your treating physician informed. Hot compress might provide relief.

I do not think that it is a side effect of tamiflu. Rather, some irregular posture could have caused it.

Regards
Dr. Diptanshu Das

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