Your Health In Mind with Michael Storm and Dr. Dean Lloyd, May 13, 2026 Hour 1
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Hantavirus
What does having hantavirus feel like?
AI Overview
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) initially feels like a severe, sudden-onset flu, characterized by high fever, chills, intense muscle aches (especially in thighs and hips), fatigue, and headaches, typically appearing 1–8 weeks after exposure. This early phase, lasting a few days, rapidly progresses to severe symptoms like intense coughing and shortness of breath as lungs fill with fluid.
Key Symptoms and Progression
Early Symptoms (1–5 days): Fever ( / ), fatigue, severe muscle aches (thighs, hips, back), headaches, dizziness, and chills.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Approximately half of patients experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Late Symptoms (4–10 days later): The disease progresses rapidly to coughing, tightness in the chest, and severe shortness of breath due to pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).
What it Feels Like
Patients often describe the initial stage as a very intense, debilitating flu, followed by a rapid, frightening inability to breathe as the lungs fill with fluid, often requiring emergency, intensive care (ICU) intervention.
When to Seek Care
If you develop these symptoms and have recently been exposed to rodent droppings or nesting materials (e.g., in cabins, sheds, or barns), seek medical attention immediately, as rapid diagnosis is critical.
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