Virus, dragging on, that keeps coming back

[Clairemum123]

I've just joined here as I'm at the end of my tether, had this virus for nearly 4 weeks, started with cough then chest infection, my daughter has had it for a week, really poorly, no fever, aches and pains, chest pain, light headed, fatigue, blocked nose, headache, sneezing, we still have an appetite, no medication seems to help apart from inhaling menthol crystals and lots of rest and fluids, but as soon as you feel better it comes back. I've been on antibiotics and steroids which did help the chest infection a bit, but not the other symptoms. It really helps to know that other people have the same thing, has anybody got over it? How long did it take etc

This is quite common with viral infections, its called antigenic shift, basically the virus changes its configuration so that your immune system no longer recognises it and has to start the immune response from scratch. It will have it covered this time though - coughs are a bastard though and take ages to go because your throat and lungs get irritated and sensitive and it takes a while to shift the muck. Take care of yourselves and eat and drink well xx

Thanks, it's so frustrating, feeling well one day and back to square one the next. We are just able to do the bear minimum! I'd be grateful for any more advice as I feel we are bothering the doctor when we go.