HERX

Be aware that symptoms usually get worse before getting better. This is called a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction and is your body’s reaction to the killed bacteria toxins. The bacteria actively comes out of the cells to battle the antibiotic. Patient will feel worsening of symptoms. Patient may experience hot sweats, palpitations, feverish, a sensation of passing out or dying. The peak of a herx is usually between 2-7 days after starting any antibiotic or after increasing the dose. It can last up to 2 weeks with another few days after that of ups and downs, the body balancing out, if after 3-4 weeks after starting antibiotics you see some symptoms getting better (not necessarily feeling good) then you know you killed a layer of infection.