$Unique_ID{BRK00899}
$Pretitle{Infections or Parasites}
$Title{A Puzzling 36 Hour Illness}
$Subject{headache infection viral}
$Volume{A-1}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


A Puzzling 36 Hour Illness


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  I recently had a puzzling 36 hour illness.  I had a horrible
headache, with pressure behind the eyes which grew worse every time I moved my
eyes or head.  Because my brother had the same thing, but with nausea and a
high fever, I think it was pretty contagious.  I didn't visit a doctor because
of its short nature, but I am curious about what that painful headache could
be from.  In case you're wondering, I'm 13 years old.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  Curiosity about our health and the nature of disease is to be
encouraged at any age, and your recent experience has been shared by just
about everyone I know at one time or another.  When the symptoms include
cephalalgia (headache), particularly with that sensation of pressure behind
the eyes, fever, and nausea the first diagnosis that comes to a physicians
mind is one of viral infection.  There might have been many other clues to
have looked for, red throat, swollen lymph glands, stiff neck, or rash, and
the sounds heard through the stethoscope might have revealed something going
on in the lungs, but the simple fact that it was over in just a day and a half
leaves us with few clues.  The important fact is that it was a benign illness,
without any serious complications, and that you were back up and around in
short order.  Such viral infections are frequent, and are highly contagious,
but there are so many different types of viruses that can produce the same
symptoms, that the cost of the laboratory tests that would be required to
determine just which one it was, is not worth the money.  At such times, the
wisest course of action is to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take an
analgesic to dull the pain of the headache.  It is also a good idea to consult
with your physician who may know just what type of illness is going around in
your community.  There are times when even these relatively common symptoms my
be the first warning of conditions that are much more serious, and an early
diagnosis can lead to the prompt start of the treatment needed to assure that
you will recover both completely and rapidly.
ÿ
----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
