Time is the only cure for most viruses

Q. My son is an otherwise healthy 20-year-old. Yet, four or five times a year for the past six years he's suffered sore throats, headaches and high temperatures, and has to stay in bed for two to three days. Our GP has no idea why this is happening and can't offer anything but antibiotics, painkillers or a flu jab. Can you offer any suggestions? Do you think it may be glandular fever? Do you think he may benefit from a flu injection?
- JM
A. I'm going to assume that most of the time your son is completely healthy and symptom-free.
That argues against a serious cause, as most severe illnesses are progressive rather than sporadic. Minor viral infections though are very contagious and extremely common.
There are over 200 viruses that cause colds alone. The average adult will have about three upper respiratory tract infections a year (even more for kids).
Ninety per cent of those with sore throats will be viral and completely unresponsive to antibiotics.
Influenza is the rare virus for which we have a fairly effective vaccine, but for all the other viruses that can cause fever and sore throat such as adenovirus, coxsackievirus, CMV and glandular fever, the prevention is handwashing and the treatment is the passage of time.
So what should one do if plagued by recurrent infections? See your GP. Share your specific concerns. If you feel they aren't being addressed, try another doctor.
Get the flu jab (when you're in a healthy state). Have your doctor assess your risk factors for immunocompromise, HIV, diabetes and leukemia.
Get examined by your GP, preferably while you're having symptoms.
They may consider testing for glandular fever, or strep throat, a bacterial throat infection that is treatable.
But remember that just because we can test for something doesn't necessarily mean there's a treatment. For the vast majority of viral infections, time is the only cure.
Gary Payinda MD is an emergency medicine consultant in Whangarei.
Have a science, health topic or question you'd like addressed? Email: drpayinda@gmail.com
(This column provides general information and is not a substitute for the medical advice of your personal doctor.)