I didn't know

About 4 1/2 weeks ago I got a sore throat and a cough. Then an ear ache and a slight fever. The throat and ear got better but the cough got worse. It made me cough to talk. I had no energy and just felt bad all the time. Honestly I would have a better day and think I had it kicked but go right back where I was then have a better day again. About two weeks in the ear ache and sore throat went away so it was just this killer cough. With no insurance and little money right now it took a while but I finally caved and went to the doctor.

It took eight hours in two four hour stretches but I eventually saw a doctor. She wanted to know why I waited so long. I told her I would feel better but then it would hit hard again. I told her it wore me out. She said, "A virus will run no more than two weeks. If it goes longer than two weeks it is likely and bacterial infection and will need antibiotics." I just thought I had a cold. I didn't know it wouldn't go away.

It will take nearly a week to kick this thing with the antibiotics. That will make it more than 5 weeks. Nobody should be sick this long.

So I decided to post. I figure if I didn't know maybe you didn't either. Apparently the magic number is 15. If you have a cold more than 15 days it is probably not just a cold and you should seek medical care.