Q I am a 21 year old male. I weigh 60kg, height is 59". Generally, I would be quite stubborn about visiting a doctor. The last time was in 2009 when I was hospitalised with meningitis (even then, I was reluctant to go). I exercise everyday, eat well and take supplements. Like most people, I would get the flu maybe once or twice a year at the most. But over the past 2 months, I have been ill almost constantly. The first time was a flu on the 17th of Feb, which lasted about a week. For the following week, I still had a headcold. On the 4th of March, I got the same flu again, but this time fasted, drank plenty of fluids and took immune boosting supplements. My flu subsided in 2 days. This time however, I came down with the flu on the 2nd of April and have been sick since. It started with a high temp, tonsilitis, swollen glands, headache & a really bad cough. I took echinachea for four days and the tonsils returned to normal and have not bothered me since. But on the 7th, my flu got worse again, as did my cough. I was coughing up green phlegm constantly, waking up weak with a headache which generally would improve throughout the day. In the last few days, I am no longer coughing up green phlegm, but have a persistent, itchy cough, blocked nose, which isnt improving. The only thing Ive been doing is resting as often as I can, taking my supplement, drinking lots of fluids, taking lemon, lime, honey & ginger and the odd time paracetamol. I have never had anything that lasted this long, which is why Im concerned. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Recurrent respiratory tract infections commonly indicate weakened immune system. Though you taking immune supplements, it will be better if you have a word with doctor. As your infection is not subsiding and symptoms persists, you may require a course of proper antimicrobial medicine which your doctor can better prescribe after examining you. The symptoms like headache, blocked nose, itchy cough can be due to nasal infection spread to sinuses causing sinusitis. If it is so, you will have to treat it with antibiotics or other suitable antimicrobial agent. we can understand your unwillingness to go to a doctor, but there seems no other more better option as are not improving even after taking proper home remedies too. Our genuine advise will be to plan an appointment with your doctor to do necessary investigations and to start proper medicines. As you are healthy otherwise and does not take antibiotics, you may respond excellent to proper treatment.