You’ve made it through the flu, and you’re ready to rejoin the world and get back to living your best life, but one stubborn symptom is holding you back: a cough that just won’t go away. This lingering cough, known as a post-infectious, or post-viral cough, can be both frustrating and uncomfortable.
The good news? While this condition often resolves on its own, over-the-counter medication and a few simple lifestyle changes can help speed up recovery and ease the irritation.
A post-infectious cough can last for weeks, sometimes even months, after a respiratory infection like the flu or a cold has cleared. Unlike the initial infection, which often comes with a host of symptoms, this condition typically just comes with a cough, and sometimes, extra mucus.
Like many other coughs, a post-infectious cough is caused by inflammation. Although it is the initial viral infection that causes this inflammation, it can linger on long after the other symptoms are cleared, causing irritation. This inflammation can also cause excess mucus production and a post-nasal drip. This post-nasal drip can irritate your throat and is another common cause of a cough. Resolving the inflammation is the key to resolving the problem.
Fortunately, there are simple ways to manage your symptoms and speed up recovery.
Over-the-counter cough medication can help you feel more comfortable, but not all of them will address the underlying cause of the cough – the inflammation. This is where the Prospan range stands out. Unlike some other medications in the class, Prospan contains anti-inflammatory properties. This means that rather than simply suppressing the cough reflex, Prospan works directly at the cause of the cough, reducing inflammation in the airways and helping to thin and clear any excess mucus.
Prospan comes in a range of forms to suit the different needs of the whole family and can be used from birth4.
Dry or cold air can irritate your airways further and worsen a cough. Adding moisture to the air using a humidifier can provide some relief and give the irritated tissue in your airways a break, reducing a cough.
Although most post-viral coughs are more of an annoyance than a serious medical problem, a persistent cough could be a sign of a more serious disease. If your cough doesn’t improve or you develop other symptoms like fever or shortness of breath, it’s important to seek medical advice.
A lingering cough after a cold or the flu can be a stubborn and frustrating reminder of your recent illness, but with the right approach, you can overcome it. The Prospan range gets to the root of the problem, helping to reduce inflammation and relieve both dry and wet coughs. Combining Prospan with some simple changes, you can get back to feeling like yourself – cough free.
