Wellness

[elruth]

Am I the exception? I get a bad cold about every 2 yrs and when I get one, it is a doozie. I am almost obsessive re: washing my hands but nearly 2 weeks ago, I got a sore throat which led into the dripping nose and cough. I still am blowing my nose and have a cough. Just wondered if anyone else takes 2 to 3 weeks to get over a cold. I don't have a temp and have taken Claritin-D, OTC cough med and started taking Musinex. I feel tired most of the time anyway since I have chronic fatigue syndrome and muscle aches from fibromyalgia. I have had bacterial sinus infections in the past but I don't think this is what I have now. I am retired and don't have to go to work.

[Tissyanne]

My husband got sick with a coughing, sniffling, cold three weeks ago, and I came down with it one week later. He has been to the doctor twice, and they told him these are taking 6 to 8 weeks to get better. He went back the second time because of the coughing. They told him his lungs were clear, and to take a Claritin (no dm) for 21 days. I am hoarse, and still stuffy nose. Hope you feel better soon. Make sure you don't develop pnuemonia.

[CinNC]

Yes, it seems to take me longer to get over a cold also. Sometimes it has to do with medications that you take. Or diabetic.

[fromthebronx]

You are not alone! I work in a medical group and I don't get colds very often (I think constant exposure to germs builds one's immunity), but when I do, it always lasts at least a month, sometimes turns into bronchitis, and one time even pneumonia. Make sure to get a lot of rest and drink plenty of fluids!

[ValuSkr]

I don't get colds often but when I do they last about a week. Sorry about yours - it does sound miserable.

[darcy3]

My mother always said with colds: 3 days coming, 3 days with it, 3 days going.

[CHEX]

Seems like this year in particular, whatever is going around is taking 2-3 weeks to through off. Anyone who already has auto immune or other health problems will obviously have more than the usual challenges.

[lolakimono]

I've had mine for 2+ weeks now. Sinus drainage, "airplane" ears, and fatigue. I have been taking Advil Allergy Sinus, Mucinex D, my regular RX allergy meds, and Alka Seltzer P.M. I'm about ready for an exorcism.

[pattypeep]

I always heard that colds last seven days. If you go to the Dr. they last a week. Seriously, though, it sounds like the colds we've been hearing about this year are tied in with a virus. My hairdresser was symptomatic for at least six weeks. At 70, I guess my body is immune because I just don't get colds anymore. Knock on wood. Feel better soon.

[Madisson]

A cold is brought on by a virus. Depending on the individual, they can last 2-6 weeks if you develop complications like bronchitis. If you develop severe symptoms, best to go to the doctor...otherwise, there is not much a doctor can do for a normal cold.

I developed the flu a few days ago (even though I had the flu vaccine). This year's vaccine was not very effective on the strains of influenza going around. Honestly, I was fine one minute. About a half hour later, I was coughing so bad that I sounded like a dog barking. I also had the chills, a fever, and was achy. I'm much better now, but...wow, does that flu come on fast!