Asymptomatic immunodeficiency-associated vaccine-derived poliovirus infections in two UK children

Is Your Viral Fever Always Followed By Persistent Cough? Here's Why It Happens

Is Your Viral Fever Always Followed By Persistent Cough? Here's Why It Happens A post-viral cough may stay and cause lingering cough for a long time. Let us understand why this happens?

If there is any illness that takes a long time to heal, it is cough. Common cold or fever usually come up with symptoms of cough later. At first the cold will manifest, then you may have fever and later when the fever is almost gone, you will get cough. But, the issue is that symptoms of cough whether resulting from a viral attack or from common cold takes a long long time to heal. It may persist for two to three weeks after the fever is gone and it may also become worse. While fever ad cold goes away in 10 days, cough can stay for weeks. Why does this happen? Let us understand.

What Causes Cough To Linger?

Experts say that this type of cough is known as post-viral cough. There are many causes of this type of cough but experts are still unsure about why it happens. The cause may be flu or cold or an upper-respiratory tract infection. There are not specific treatments for this but a cough syrup may help. However, history suggests that herbal or Ayurvedic medicines may help.

Aa per a study coducted recently, an expert said, "Despite the recent advances in understanding the mechanisms that regulate cough, in physiological and pathological conditions, current therapeutic options for post-infectious cough are little or only moderately effective."

This lingering cough happens because the mucous from the infection drains back into the throat. It makes sure that the virus stays in the throat for a long time. The second reason may be swollen and inflamed airways. The body takes times to heal from the inflammation and this may cause the coughing symptoms to linger.

Tips That May Help With Persistent Cough

Here's what you can do:

Use an herbal mixture of Vasaka leaves, tulsi leaves, mint if necessary. Extract the juice out of them, add some honey and warm water and drink it every day. You only need a little bit of this daily like a medicinal dosage. It is known to cure problems like sore throat and lingering cough and boost immunity.

Drink hot water every day. Do not drink anything cold.

Gargle with hot water at least 5 times a day. Hot water can help kill the lingering bacteria or virus in the body.

Eat vitamin C-rich fruits as it can instantly help boost immunity.

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How Long Should Cold And Flu Symptoms Really Last — And When Should You Get Help?

As it seems everyone is fighting off some kind of sickness, medical experts have advised when you should see a doctor.

New York City is one of a handful of hot spots for respiratory illnesses this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.

All of the hotspots had either high or very high concentrations of COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus or influenza — aka "the tripledemic."

Symptoms of a regular cold tend to spike within the first few days of a person being sick, although certain symptoms, such as a runny nose or consistent cough, can last up to 14 days, according to the CDC.

However, symptoms of influenza, RSV, the coronavirus and other viruses typically last seven days — but could continue for as long as two weeks.

Symptoms of a regular cold tend to spike within the first few days of a person being sick. Subbotina Anna – stock.Adobe.Com

People who have pre-existing conditions such as asthma may experience symptoms for a long time, leaving some curious as to when their cough means they should schedule an appointment at the doctor's office.

Dr. Lena Wen told CNN that those who have suffered through symptoms for longer than two weeks without feeling any better should see a medical professional.

People experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain and an inability to retain fluids should check in with a doctor as soon as possible.

In addition, those at the extremes of ages — newborns and elderly individuals — and those with underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms and should seek medical care sooner than the average individual. Indeed, hospitalization rates are the highest among young children and senior citizens.

Wen also warned that a viral infection could develop into a bacterial infection if untreated.

However, symptoms of influenza, RSV, the coronavirus and other viruses typically last seven days (but could continue for as long as two weeks). Getty Images Dr. Lena Wen told CNN that those who have suffered through symptoms for longer than two weeks without feeling any better should see a medical professional. Afshar Tetyana – stock.Adobe.Com

She also noted that the symptoms could be a sign of another condition, which medical attention would help suss out.

Although there are several general markers to indicate when someone should see a doctor, Wen encourages everyone to stay attuned to their bodies and seek medical help when they feel they should.

"The preventive things are all the same — you know, stay home if you're sick, wash your hands, cough into your sleeve, don't rub your eyes, nose and mouth, get up to date on the vaccinations," Dr. Philip Huang, director of Dallas County Health and Human Services in Texas, told ABC News.

In addition to a new COVID-19 booster shot that's arriving in pharmacies and doctors' offices now, there are also two FDA-approved vaccines for RSV available for adults, one of which is also approved for pregnant women to shield their newborns from RSV.

However, the urgency that led to higher vaccination rates, and the public outreach efforts that occurred in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, have largely faded, giving way to complacency and "COVID fatigue" — even as people continue to die from the disease.

Medical experts recommend staying home, washing your hands and staying up to date on your shots. Getty Images/iStockphoto

As such, experts are still sounding the alarm.

On Thursday, Wisconsin health officials urged pregnant women to get the new vaccine to protect newborns from RSV.

The virus has thus far killed three children and killed nearly 600 babies there this season, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

What To Do If You Have A Cough That Won't Go Away

As many as 30 million people see a doctor each year due to a cough, according to statistics from the National Library of Medicine.

If you're one of the many this winter who either has a lingering cough or knows someone who has one, emergency medicine physician and ABC News medical correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton has the tips you need to get on the road to a full recovery or know when to seek medical help.

I think I'm over a cold or flu but I'm still coughing. What is going on?

Even though someone may be in the tail end of a cold or flu infection, the airways may still be irritated, leading to a lingering cough.

PHOTO: A general practitioner examines a coughing patient in this undated stock photo. (STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images)

"We have small air sacs in our lungs. They help exchange oxygen to our blood so that we can get the air that we need but during this cough season, you have a buildup of mucus and irritants and that stimulates what we have, cough receptors in our chest and that causes the cough reflex," Sutton explained on "Good Morning America" Thursday.

In addition, multiple factors can lead to the development of mucus.

"Many things can cause that buildup of mucus. Common things being viral illnesses but also acid reflux, allergies, asthma, things of that sort can all increase your buildup of mucus, so it's about figuring out what's the cause," Sutton continued.

How long does a cough typically last? Some people have been dealing with coughs that last for weeks on end. Is this normal?

Different types of infections and illnesses can trigger a cough so it may be necessary to see a doctor to rule out what is or isn't a cause.

"A lot of the causes are the viral illnesses that we're seeing. We're seeing increases in flu, RSV and COVID," Sutton said.

MORE: RSV in winter 2023: Everything you need to know about symptoms, treatments, shots

With a virus, Sutton said the main period of symptoms typically lasts for three weeks.

"That's the typical time where you're going to have that cough," Sutton explained.

"After that, the three to six-week mark, that's what we call subacute," he continued. "That's the time when we're a little bit more investigative. We're doing imaging, we're trying to figure out what else could also be the cause, but it can also be something called post infectious, which is just your lungs healing."

If you have had a cough for two months, Sutton said that's when you should see a medical provider and will likely get tests and imaging to determine why you have a chronic cough.

"After eight weeks, that's something called chronic cough and that's what needs an additional workup, including imaging and sputum testing and just trying to figure out exactly what could be the cause," Sutton said.

MORE: Tips for managing a chronic cough

What are some things I can do to take care of a cough and get rid of it as fast as possible?

When you're at home, there are simple remedies you can turn to in the kitchen to feel better more quickly.

"We all have been taught from a young age that soups and broths are helpful from our parents, our grandparents. It's true. It's absolutely true," Sutton said.

"You have your teas, your honey, even eucalyptus oil. If you put it in warm water, it smells fantastic or you put it in your vaporizer, a few drops to help clear your airway. It can be an anti-inflammatory," Sutton added.

While doctors say honey is a common and helpful remedy for a cough, it is not safe for children less than a year old.

When it comes to kids, doctors say parents should talk to their child's pediatrician about what to do for their child's specific symptoms and before giving them any over-the-counter medications to make sure it's the right option or dose.

At what point should I go see a doctor about a cough?

"Many patients have that question. They come in and their cough is sometimes lasting more than four or five weeks, which is definitely a concern and should be worked up," Sutton said.

In general, Sutton recommends seeing a physician when a cough has lasted for at least three weeks.

"After three weeks, you should get an exam. You should get some type of imaging and then after that, that dictates what the intervention is," Sutton recommended. "Some people find benefit in over-the-counter medications. These medications, although they may help your symptoms, they're not going to change your outcome. And so you might need additional interventions like steroids or albuterol inhalers and that only comes after a formal exam and a workup."

What to do if you have a cough that won't go away originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.Com

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