What to do about a lingering cough after the flu . . . ?

I had the flu (upper respiratory) for a week. Since then, I've had a cough. It's gone on for two weeks. I've been taking Mucinex and a cough medicine prescribed by my doctor (the week I had the flu), but it's still hanging in there.

How long should I wait before I see the doctor again? I try not to go very often because it is expensive.

Should I just ride it out? I've read that it can take up to four weeks for the cough to clear out.

Is there anything else I can take to get rid of this?

It's mostly a dry cough, but with the Mucinex, it is more productive. I can definitely still feel some crud running around in my lungs. :(

I can't even laugh because I start to cough. :(

Apparently, I'm just supposed to suffer. :(

Poor me.

(heh heh)

Aww Grit, you poor thing,

It's possible that your illness has used up some of your immune system nutrients like vitamin C and zinc. What works for me, when I can't shake a cold, is to take some C and some echinacea. Otherwise, it's a bit like trying to drive on empty.

I hope you feel better soon.

I hope you're back to Gritastic soon, hon. x

Oh, and, erm thanks for the BA. Report It

I constantly have a cough; of course, the smoking doesn't help.

As long as your cough is productive, it is serving a purpose, so I say ride it out. All the junk it is bringing up is freeing up your lungs, and it is true that a cough after flu can linger--I've had a productive cough after the flu for longer than a month.

Give the Mucinex a chance for a while. If you run out of the cough medicine from your doctor, get the generic Robitussen. It works pretty well. Also, drink some hot tea with honey in it and if you drink at all, have hot tea with whatever flavor of schnapps strikes your fancy. That always helps me.