What Do Flu Like Symptoms Indicate If It Occurs Once Every Year?

Posted on Sat, 2 Sep 2017

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

Sat, 2 Sep 2017 Answered on

Sat, 23 Sep 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : every September I have symptoms that feels like I'm coming down with a bad cold or flu. then I realized it happens every year at the same time. (early sept.) how can I find out what is causing this and what can I do about it. I also have asma a lot of sinus drainage,lots of phlem in my throat in a.m. and during the day. pete

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Likely to be due to a viral infection.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone carefully through the details and understand your concern. Most often such symptoms including croup are due to viral infections which are also associated with an allergic componet. The change of seasons as in Septemper causes a bit of maladaptation wherein the immunity drops and we often catch cold in such a case. Since such infections are usually associated with an allergic component and taking tab. Montair LC (monteleukast + levocetirizine, prescription medicine) should help. Cetirizine is an over the counter alternative that can also be taken instead.

You need to take steam inhalation. It helps in reducing the congestion and thereby the cough. Water vapor will reach deep inside and would help in diluting the cough and thus would provide relief. The vapor will also reach deep inside and would help in draining the sinuses.

Please be patient. It may take a few more days before recovery occurs.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards

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