Concensus of online articles is that the flu is contagious for possibly a day prior to symptoms and 5 to 7 days after onset of symptoms. I’m on day 16 now. Feel fine but still have a slight cough.
Even colds often last a couple of weeks with me.
Something is making me cough and that something is germs, right? So then the virus particles being coughed out are not communicable? Why? Doesn’t sound right to me.
IANAD, but my understanding is that the residual cough is leftover irritation and drainage.
I’m at the same place with my cold - two weeks in, and I’m still coughing. I agree with irritation and drainage - I’m thinking of getting some of that Robitusson Mucous and Phlegm cough syrup in the hopes of getting the crap out and relieving the irritation.
I think the virus or germs cause the cough in an indirect way. They directly damage cells in your airways, and it takes time for those to heal. Presumably the damage stops when the infection is fought off and the contageon ends, but the coughing might continue during at least part of the healing process.
I’ve had a really bad dose of the flu over the last few days, I’m just starting to feel better, but don’t want too many lingering symptoms over Christmas.
What’s the best way to get rid of residual symptoms?
My doctor has in the past prescribed me an inhaler to use for a week or two to open up my airways so that the coughing is productive instead of just irritating. It seems to work very well.