Is there a new strain of virus going around if you have had a cold for four weeks with mostly sinus congestion and no end in sight?

Answer 1

Yes, I have been told by my doctor that there is a virus out there that can last about 4 weeks that causes nasal and chest congestion and should be watched for any bacterial infection that may develop. I had this and it started with a thick mucous that dripped from my sinus down my throat and was accompanied by dry mouth making it hard to swallow. It is important to drink plenty of water to keep you hydration and to thin the mucous. Also, it is recommended that you perform a sinus rinse 3-4 times daily. Your doctor can give you the recipe (that involves 8 oz of water with canning salt and baking soda). For temporary relief a nasal decongestant like Neo Synepherine nasal spary will clear you out and help you sleep but do not take for more than three days. Also, phseudophedrine is another daytime option. I found that elevating my bed by about 6 inches helped since it seems that the congestion feels worse when laying down.

Just to add that I have spoken to numerous people who have had this virus and all found it lingered for 3-4 weeks. Mine is now tappered off to just an occasssional cough but all the nasal congestions seems to be almost completely gone. See your doctor if your mucous is thick and turns yellow-green (might be a bacterial infection) and you will need an antibiotic like I did.

More Information:

• Please try this NeilMed Sinus Rinse and Mucinex. These symptons only last for 1 - 3 days if you use this product. I found out about it last year. If I feel like I'm about to get sick I use it and less than 2 days I am completely better. I made my 17 year old use it when she was about to get sick. She seldom gets sick. She was better in less than 3 days. That sinus rinse is kind of nasty but it works. The Mucinex is expensive but it works.
• It sounds like a sinus infection in most of the cases that have been reported. Often sinusitis (sinus infections) are mistaken for a cold, so if you have cold like symptoms that have lasted longer than three weeks it is likely that you have a sinus infection. What actually happens is that your sinuses become congested and your mucus becomes infected by bacteria/virus. It is also important to note that there are medications available that can help decongest your sinuses but that do not actually help to treat the infection, this is why some people my have felt little relief when using certain products- I won't mention any brands because it's not nice to bad mouth products. In order to treat a sinus infection effectively you can either go to your doctor and get a prescription of antibiotics (but these won't help with the decongestion, or not immediately at least). You can also try alternative medications, such as sinus-wars homeopathic products (which help treat the sinus infection and decongest your sinuses).Regardless of the method you choose to use the first step in recovery is understanding the condition that you may have.

There are always new strains of virus going round.