How is a patient suffering from epilepsy and psoriasis managed for a viral infection?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a fever, cough, headache, and heavy body aches for the past few days. I am also suffering from two chronic diseases. I was under medication for Phenytoin for two years. I then consulted a doctor who advised me to stop Phenytoin and start sodium valproate immediately. I am taking salicylic acid scalp shampoo, along with Betamethasone, Beclomethasone, Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole, and Clobetasol for the same.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern.

Your symptoms suggest a viral illness that must be taken more seriously due to your underlying diseases and history of using anticonvulsants and corticosteroids. Symptomatic therapy is going to be enough for now. Therefore, I suggest you follow the instructions mentioned below:

I suggest you take a tablet of Ibuprofen (antipyretic) for fever and an antihistamine such as Cetirizine daily to subside the symptoms.
Please rest properly, drink lots of fluids, and avoid close contact.
If the cough is dry, I suggest you take Dextromethorphan (antitussive). If you have sputum, I suggest you take Guaifenesin (expectorant).
I also suggest you take antibiotics if the symptoms do not resolve within a week since the risk of bacterial infection increases.

Kindly consult a specialist, talk with them, and take the medications with their consent.

I hope this has helped you.

Thank you.