Hello,

Thank you for choosing DoctorSpring.

Before answering your specific queries, let me put down some facts here.

Glands (tonsils , lymph nodes) can enlarge from infection and inflammations. So enlarged gland does not mean infection alone. For example the allergy could cause it. When putting together your symptoms like enlarged glands (including the ones under arm), fatigue , ulcers I would actually recommend you NOT to limit the diagnostic possibilities to a viral infection.

Viruses are blamed for many un proven or non specific symptoms even by Physicians which might not be true all the time. I would recommend a baseline blood test , Peripheral Smear test, ANA (to rule out any autoimmune disease ), if not done already.

Now to your specific queries :

1. Viral infection is a possible cause. (but as I said not the only possible cause ) Practically it is not possible to isolate. It could be any of the adenovirus, enterovirus, respiratory syncytial virus or Rhino virus.

2. This is most likely from the allergy. For example the allergic symptoms and steroid use can cause you protective respiratory epithelium to be fragile . When the the epithelium is damaged or fragile the virus can easily get attached resulting in a infection. This is most likely the cause for the repeated infection (rather than any depressed immunity ). This is very common mechanism.

3. No. Tonsils are the protective glands. It does not make sense to take it out. Instead you should target in adequate control of the allergic symptoms in consult with your Doctor. The allergy related inflammation is most likely to be the cause of the tonsillar swelling (and also for the recurrent infections). A throat swab to rule out streptococcal infection should also be done.

4. Depends . If the allergy is well controlled, it should not an issue.

Hope this helps
Feel free to ask followups / clarifications
Thank you

Hello Dominique,

Good know that your Immunologist is planning on desensitisation.
Targeting the allergy first would be the best approach and this is step in the right direction.

A typical upper respiratory viral infection should not last for more than 10 days in general. But you can get a post viral fatigue which can last upto weeks after the original infection. Since you have persistent symptoms it could be an allergy flare up or a bacterial infection. I would recommend a throat swab and culture + baseline blood tests, ESR - if the symptoms persist.

Again it is not easy to say which virus. You can get an annula flu shot (Influenza vaccine) if you have not taken it. There are no other shots which will be immediately useful for you . I understand that this could be frustrating. But I recommend a step by step approach rather than an all one approach. That means tackle the allergies first. Do not take unnecessary antibiotics.
It is Okay to take Prednisolone if indicated for allergies under the guidance of your Doctor. That alone will not cause any significant immune suppression (if taken in a low suggested dosage )

Hope this helps
Feel Free to ask followups / clarification
Thank you