Many people across India are finding that coughs, fevers and fatigue last a week or longer after the monsoon. Stronger germs are not the only reason. Several viruses circulating at the same time, post-viral inflammation, worsening air pollution, high humidity and mould exposure can all slow recovery. A person may recover from one viral infection and catch another soon after, which extends the illness. Recovery also depends on age, nutrition, vaccination status and existing health conditions. Most seasonal coughs and fevers are caused by viruses, so antibiotics do not help. Taking them without a doctor’s advice increases antimicrobial resistance, making future bacterial infections harder to treat. Instead of self-medicating, get the right diagnosis, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.
