Speaker 1: Good morning, this is Dr. Jennifer Martinez with HealthConnect Telehealth. I'm speaking with my patient, Tom Wilson, for his scheduled virtual appointment today. Tom, I can see you're joining us from home. How are you feeling this morning, and what symptoms have you been experiencing?

Speaker 2: Good morning, Dr. Martinez. Thanks for fitting me in on short notice. I've been feeling pretty awful since Tuesday. It started with a really bad headache and chills, and now I have a high fever, body aches, and this dry cough that won't go away. My temperature was one hundred and two point four when I checked it about an hour ago. I also feel completely exhausted, like I can barely get out of bed.

Speaker 1: I'm sorry you're feeling so unwell, Tom. Those symptoms are very consistent with influenza, especially given that we're in peak flu season right now. The sudden onset of fever, body aches, and fatigue are classic flu symptoms. How long have you had the cough, and are you experiencing any shortness of breath or chest pain?

Speaker 2: The cough started yesterday evening and it's been getting worse. It's mostly dry but occasionally I'm coughing up a little bit of clear mucus. I haven't had any chest pain, but I do feel a little short of breath when I try to move around too much. My throat is also really sore, especially when I swallow. I've been trying to stay hydrated but it's been difficult because everything tastes awful.

Speaker 1: Those are all typical flu symptoms, Tom. The loss of taste and appetite is very common with influenza. Let me ask about your recent activities. Have you been around anyone who was sick recently, and have you received your flu vaccination this year?

Speaker 2: Now that you mention it, my coworker came into the office last week complaining about feeling sick, but he insisted it was just allergies. Several people in my department have called in sick this week actually. As for the flu shot, I have to admit I kept putting it off and never got around to getting it this year. I know I should have, but work has been so busy and I just kept forgetting.

Speaker 1: That explains the exposure source, and unfortunately not having the vaccination does put you at higher risk for getting the flu and having more severe symptoms. Based on what you're describing and the timing, I'm confident this is influenza. The good news is that we caught it early enough that antiviral medication can help reduce the severity and duration of your symptoms.

Speaker 2: That's a relief to hear. What kind of medication are you thinking, and how long should I expect to feel this sick? I have some important meetings next week that I really don't want to miss if possible.

Speaker 1: I'm going to prescribe Tamiflu, which is an antiviral medication that works best when started within the first forty-eight hours of symptom onset. You'll take it twice daily for five days. It should help reduce your symptoms by one to two days and make you feel less severe overall. However, Tom, I need to stress that you should plan to be out of work for at least the rest of this week, possibly into early next week.

Speaker 2: Okay, I understand about missing work. How should I be taking care of myself at home? And what symptoms should I watch for that might indicate I need to come to the emergency room or see you again?

Speaker 1: For home care, rest is absolutely critical. Stay in bed as much as possible and sleep whenever you can. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, clear broths, and herbal teas. You can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the fever and body aches, but don't exceed the recommended dosages. Use a humidifier or breathe steam from a hot shower to help with congestion. As for warning signs, you should seek immediate medical attention if you develop severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, persistent high fever above one hundred and three degrees, signs of dehydration like dizziness or decreased urination, or if you start feeling confused or disoriented.

Speaker 2: That all makes sense. How long should I stay isolated from my family? My wife and kids are healthy right now and I don't want to get them sick too.

Speaker 1: You're contagious from about one day before symptoms started until about five to seven days after becoming sick, or until you've been fever-free for twenty-four hours without fever-reducing medication, whichever is longer. Stay in a separate room from your family as much as possible, wear a mask when you have to be around them, wash your hands frequently, and avoid sharing utensils or personal items. Your family members should also consider getting tested if they develop any symptoms.

Speaker 2: Got it. Should I schedule a follow-up appointment, or just call if I'm not feeling better?

Speaker 1: Let's plan for a follow-up call in three to four days to check on your progress with the Tamiflu. If you're not seeing improvement by then, or if any of those warning symptoms I mentioned develop sooner, don't hesitate to contact our office immediately. I'm sending the Tamiflu prescription to your usual pharmacy right now, and they should have it ready for pickup within the hour. Do you have someone who can pick it up for you so you don't have to go out while you're contagious?

Speaker 2: Yes, my wife can pick up the prescription on her way home from work. Thank you so much, Dr. Martinez. I feel better just knowing what I'm dealing with and having a treatment plan. I'll make sure to rest and follow all your instructions.

Speaker 1: You're very welcome, Tom. The flu is miserable but you should start feeling better in a few days with the medication and proper rest. Don't try to push through this, your body needs time to fight off the virus. I'll check in with you later this week, and remember to call immediately if you have any concerning symptoms. Take care and get plenty of rest.