DIANA GLIGA

Supportive therapy for symptoms of flu are mainstay in management. These include tylenol as needed for muscle aches and fever (temperature over 100.4F), hydration with fluids such as water, tea, soup (caffeinated drinks tend to dehydrate), lozenges for comfort and lubrication. However, the flu is a viral infection and as such tylenol is not a "treatment" for the flu virus itself.

First off we need to define what "hot" is. A fever is temperature over 100.4F or 37C. Anything lower than that is not necessarily abnormal. The body's "thermostat" is controlled by a region in the brain and some folk have this "thermostat" set up at higher than others - just a different type of normal. However, other things to take into account is your peripheral (i.e. hand) temperature when coming into contact with your daughter's body temperature. I'd first suggest to check with a thermometer her temperature and go from there. Of course, with any other accompanying signs / symptoms or concerns, please seek medical evaluation.

I am actually an advocate for folk trying to control chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes with lifestyle changes alone. In your case, several factors can contribute to high blood pressure. Dietary choices (such as salt, processed food, canned food), smoking, alcohol intake, day to day stress level, and weight are some of the main influencing factors that can be changed. And out of all of these, weight loss was proven to have a largest impact on blood pressure control! A mere 10 pounds can make an unbelievable difference in blood pressure. I always advise my patients to start with small targets that can be attained, and go from there. Exercise is also important - aerobic exercise is advisable as is yoga, tai chi which are very important for day to day stress control and core body strengthening.

Two factors that can be contributing are dehydration and/or allergies. Dry heat is known to potentially irritate the sinuses and hence lead to the headache. One does not have to be drenching in sweat to still have enough sensible loss of fluid to lead to dehydration, which can trigger headaches. As such, plenty fluid intake and control of sinus inflammation/irritation would be two things to explore. Further work-up based on more detailed personal and past medical history, other medications that you are taking, other symptoms, etc.

It really depends on the type of fluid. Some fluid accumulation can be controlled with medications (this is the case in fluid from heart problems, liver problems, kidney problems). In other instances such medications can not help and drainage would be needed. If the fluid is from infection, medications to control the infection itself may be enough, but if the volume is large enough, then drainage is indicated. In any instance, if the volume is large and there are symptoms of low oxygen, shortness of breath, etc., then drainage is needed. Certainly it is important to know WHY the fluid is there. I advise to have her see her provider to further work this up so that she gets best adequate management.