Generalized Aches & Pains in Teens: Possible Causes & When to See a Doctor

Question
Hello
My daughter is 14 and has been experiencing generalised aches and pains for about 1 week. eg.in her fingers, legs, arms, neck, wrists,etc. Basically all over, mainly in the bones. She has also had headaches,tiredness and mucus in her throat that she constantly has to swallow.
Do you think this is just a virus or something else? Many thanks

Answer
I'd take her in to the doc.  Probably a virus like the flu, but a simple throat culture could tell you if it's mononucleosis or a streptococcus infection.  Strep, if untreated, can turn into a severe infection.  Better safe than sorry.

Thanks,
Maggie, RN, MSN -- Community Health Nursing