I Have Been Suffering With A Cold For Five Weeks

Posted on Mon, 31 Dec 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 31 Dec 2018 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I have been suffering with a cold for five weeks and am getting tired of it. I am in good general health, average weight and had may colds over the years but never anything like this. Is there more going on than "just a cold"?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (-3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Probably just common cold,follow the advice below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

I already reviewed the attached report.

In my opinion your symptoms seem to be related to a common cold.

A lack of immune system can trigger the symptoms.

I already reviewed the medication that you are using and the treatment is correct.

I recommend using anti inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen 400 mg three times a day.

I also recommend using a vitamin C supplement to boost the immune system.

I suggest drinking liquids and rest a lot.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (21 hours later)

Thank you Dr. Gurabardhi for your advice. For the last two days my temperature has been around 100.4. I believe that I might have been infected by 2 or 3 strains of the cold virus over the course of 5 weeks to make the symptoms last that long. The fact that I now have a fever leads me to believe a flu virus might be at work within me. Your comment "A lack of immune system can trigger the symptoms" concerns me. I have a complete blood analysis done each fall at my annual GP appointment and nothing is ever out of the ordinary. I would be having this discussion with him now but the first available appointment is weeks into the future. My other local option is to go to the hospital ER but I have already done that and was told I had a cold and sent home. After five weeks i believe there must be more to it. How do I proceed to investigate a bacterial infection or an immune system problem?
Thank you for your service, XXXXXXX Aardema

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Some examinations are recommended for further evaluation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,

I understand your concern.

I would recommend some examinations for further evaluation of the immune system.

I suggest:

A white blood cell count

T cell count

Immunoglobulin levels

After the examinations, you can contact me again for further assistance, if needed.

Wishing you all the best.

Take care dear,

Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee