This article recounts my experiences in fighting a nasty flu. On October 5th Monday, I started feeling really down. I didn’t feel like getting up from bed. I had a sore throat, a nasty cough, a splitting headache, and a fever (I learned of it only later), and I was constipated. My whole body was aching.

For two days – Monday & Tuesday – I couldn’t get up from bed. I slept through out the day though it didn’t occur to me to see a doctor or take some medicines.

On Wednesday, when I didn’t feel any better, I eventually decided to go and see a doctor. I went to a hospital near my home and saw the duty doctor. After the check up, I was told by the doctor that I had very high fever – 103 degrees.

I was immediately given an injection – Aeknil 2ml which is Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) – possibly to bring down my temperature. The doctor also prescribed some medicines to be taken regularly.

They are as follows -

• Calpol 650 mg Tablets – to be taken thrice daily – 10 tablets.
• Alerid – 3 tablets to be taken one each night for three days.
• Cefchamp 325 – Which I believe to be an antibiotic. This tablet is to be taken twice daily. One in the morning and one at night – a total of 10 tablets.
• Beplex Forte – Which is a vitamin tablet to be taken one each in the morning for 5 days.

I was also advised to do a blood test just to make sure I did not have something contagious like the swine flu or some thing.

So this is the cost (in Indian Rupees) I incurred after my visit to the doctor.

• Doctors fees – Rs 80
• Cost of Medicines – Rs 328.11 (The major cost is that of Cefchamp 325 which costs Rs 27 for each tablet)
• Blood test – Rs 110

Today, Thursday, I feel much better. My fever has subsided. However, the body pains have yet to go away. After three days of constipation, I was able to attend to call of nature which was a big relief. In all respects, I am on the path towards total recovery.

A few tips from my Doctor

When you have fever,

• Always eat food which are easy to digest.
• You may eat Oranges, Bananas, Boiled rice and so on.
• Drink lots of fluids and keep yourselves hydrated. Water, fruit juice etc.
• Don’t exert yourself. Take lots of bed rest.

My doctor also tells me, when you have high fever, you will feel constipated. It is natural.

If your nose is blocked, inhale steam from boiling water. It will clear your nasal passage in a very short time and give you good relief.

A few grandmother’s tips that work for me

• If you suffer from body aches, take a hot bath with a few drops of Eucalyptus oil in it. It will bring instant relief.
• For relief from sore throat, boil some water with a little dry ginger powder, black pepper powder, and holy basil leaves and drink the concoction at regular intervals.