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Dive deeper into chronic coughing, its triggers, and why some coughs persist for months or years. [LEARN MORE](https://www.everydayhealth.com/cough/) - [1What Is a Cough? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention](https://www.everydayhealth.com/cough/guide/) - [2Understanding Chronic Cough](https://www.everydayhealth.com/cough/chronic-cough-what-causes-it-how-to-treat-it/) - [3Why Do I Cough When Taking a Deep Breath?](https://www.everydayhealth.com/lung-respiratory/cough/types-coughs-what-they-mean/) [SEE MORE](https://www.everydayhealth.com/cough/) [News](https://www.everydayhealth.com/news/) # Why Does Everyone Have a Nagging Cough Right Now? Reports of coughs hanging on for weeks have been growing as winter respiratory virus season peaks. What’s causing all this hacking and what can you do about it?  Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock By [Don Rauf](https://www.everydayhealth.com/authors/don-rauf/) Fact-Checked Published on January 10, 2024 Karen Peterson of Seattle started feeling fluish right after Thanksgiving, with sniffles, aches, cough, and feverish discomfort. About six days later, she was feeling better, but an annoying cough kept hanging on for about three weeks. “I would often just start coughing when I was dropping off to sleep, which can be especially annoying,” says Peterson. “When I went to a movie theater, I had this irresistible urge to cough, but I didn’t want to disturb anybody.” Although her cough mostly went away by mid-January, she has still been experiencing an occasional tickle in the throat. Reports of nagging [coughs](https://www.everydayhealth.com/cough/guide/) like Peterson’s have been more common lately, as [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data](https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/index.html) indicates cases of respiratory illnesses such as [flu](https://www.everydayhealth.com/flu/guide/) and [COVID](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home) have been on the rise. “We’re seeing more coughs lately because more people are getting sick due to the higher frequency of viral infections in the community,” says [Daniel Sullivan, MD](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/staff/7707), an internal medicine specialist at the Cleveland Clinic. [Trish Perl, MD](https://utswmed.org/doctors/trish-perl/), a specialist in infectious diseases and a professor in the department of internal medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, has also been noticing increasing cases of coughs as well as sore throats in her part of the country. “This is all based on anecdotal information because we don’t have a definitive way of tracking coughs in the United States,” says Dr. Perl. In addition to cases of flu, COVID-19, and [RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)](https://www.everydayhealth.com/infectious-diseases/what-is-rsv-respiratory-syncytial-virus/), Perl has noted more respiratory infections this season due to adenovirus (detailed by the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/adenovirus/about/index.html)) and [human metapneumovirus (hMPV)](https://www.everydayhealth.com/infectious-diseases/hmpv-the-latest-respiratory-virus-youve-never-heard-of/) — both which can cause the common cold and lead to a nasty cough. #### #### Next up video playing in 10 seconds ### Will a Marshmallow Fix Your Nighttime Cough? Explore the truth behind the marshmallow cough remedy hack. ## **Why Are There More Long-Lasting Coughs?** Coughs are divided into three types, according to the [Cleveland Clinic](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17755-cough). Typically, people have temporary “acute” coughs that last two to three weeks. But Sullivan and Perl say they have been seeing more “subacute” coughs that stay around after you’ve had an infection and last three to eight weeks, as well as “chronic” or persistent coughs that hang on beyond eight weeks. [Khalilah Gates, MD](https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/faculty-profiles/az/profile.html?xid=19727), associate professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine and medical education at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, also has been aware of more people currently having subacute or chronic coughs. She points out that this would be nothing unusual for a typical winter virus season before the pandemic. “We had been without much respiratory virus for three years because of our mask mandates and lockdowns,” says Dr. Gates. “We have to remember that under normal conditions it’s not unusual to see these lingering coughs.” ## People Who Haven’t Been Vaccinated May Experience More Persistent Coughs Perl theorizes that the duration of coughs stemming from flu, COVID-19, or RSV may depend on whether or not an individual has been vaccinated. She stresses that symptoms are generally less severe for those who have been vaccinated and a cough may get better more quickly. According to the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/fluvaxview/coverage-by-season/2022-2023.html), only about half those who are eligible typically get the flu shot, while [data](https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/vaccine-equity.html) as of November 14, 2023, indicates only about 14 percent of U.S. adults have gotten an updated COVID-19 vaccine. According to infectious disease specialist [Helen Chu, MD](https://www.uwmedicine.org/bios/helen-chu), with UW Medicine in Seattle, the current [flu vaccine](https://www.everydayhealth.com/flu/guide/shot/) is well matched to protect against all three kinds of flu virus circulating now — influenza A (H1N1) viruses, influenza A (H3N2) viruses, and influenza B viruses. She suggests that the new monovalent COVID-19 vaccine should provide good protection against JN.1, the predominant variant, per the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/JN.1-update-2024-01-05.html). “This is the first season that the RSV vaccine has been approved, but RSV certainly is circulating and if you’re eligible to get your vaccine, you should be getting it,” adds Dr. Chu. ## What Causes a Cough to Hang On and When to See a Doctor? [Rohan S. Mankikar, MD](https://nyulangone.org/doctors/1851683445/rohan-s-mankikar), pulmonologist and clinical instructor of medicine at NYU Langone Health in New York City, speculates that some of these coughs may be longer-lasting because certain viruses may be more “virulent.” “Some viruses may have the ability to get deeper down in our airways, and rather than only infecting the upper respiratory tract, they also migrate further into the lower tract including the bronchi and bronchioles \[smaller airways\],” says Dr. Mankikar. “Once they replicate in that region, the symptoms take a longer time to improve.” A cough often will go away over time, but Mankikar urges patients to see a physician as soon as possible if they develop a persistent fever, chest pain, persistent hoarseness, shortness of breath, or palpitations. ## Home Remedies to Treat a Lingering Cough Peterson found that taking walks and drinking herbal tea eased her coughing, and taking cough syrup helped her sleep at night. Here are a few other tips on [how to soothe a cough](https://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-and-flu-pictures/home-remedies-for-cough-1028.aspx), according to the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/media/pdfs/HCP-Relief-Colds-Cough-85by11-P.pdf) and the doctors interviewed for this article: - Drink extra fluids and liquids to stay hydrated and reduce excess mucus production. - Use a cool mist vaporizer or saline nasal spray to relieve congestion. - Take honey to ease cough (for adults and children 12 months or older). - Exercise to loosen and cough up mucus more effectively. Note that while some people swear cough suppressants help, [research](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC65295/) has shown over-the-counter cough medicines are generally ineffective. Mankikar warns that cough suppressants may reduce the ability to expectorate (cough up phlegm) so doctors are cautious when prescribing them because they want to make sure that patients can clear their airways. “Healthcare providers, however, can provide medications that will diminish the symptoms while the body’s healing,” says Dr. Sullivan. “It may take weeks, but I can say with great confidence, the cough will eventually go away.” Meet Our Experts [See Our Editorial Policy](https://www.everydayhealth.com/editorial-policies/) [Meet Our Health Expert Network](https://www.everydayhealth.com/health-expert-network/)   #### Don Rauf ##### Author Don Rauf has been a freelance health writer for over 12 years and his writing has been featured in HealthDay, CBS News, WebMD, U.S. News & World Report, Mental Floss, United Press International (UPI), *Health*, and MedicineNet. He was previously a reporter for DailyRx.com where he covered stories related to cardiology, diabetes, lung cancer, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, menopause, and allergies. He has interviewed doctors and pharmaceutical representatives in the U.S. and abroad. He is a prolific writer and has written more than 50 books, including *Lost America: Vanished Civilizations*, *Abandoned Towns*, and *Roadside Attractions*. Rauf lives in Seattle, Washington. [See full bio](https://www.everydayhealth.com/authors/don-rauf/) [See Our Editorial Policy](https://www.everydayhealth.com/editorial-policies/) [Meet Our Health Expert Network](https://www.everydayhealth.com/health-expert-network/) EDITORIAL SOURCES Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our [editorial policy](https://www.everydayhealth.com/editorial-policies/). We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions. Sources Additional Sources - Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report. [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/index.html). January 5, 2024. - COVID Data Tracker. [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home). December 30, 2023. - Flu Vaccination Coverage, United States, 2022–23 Influenza Season. [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/fluvaxview/coverage-by-season/2022-2023.html). October 10, 2023. - COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and CDC’s Commitment to Vaccine Equity. [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/vaccine-equity.html). November 22, 2023. - Schroeder K et al. Systematic review of Randomized Controlled Trials of Over-the-Counter Cough Medicines for Acute cough in Adults. [*BMJ*](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC65295/). February 9, 2002. - Adenoviruses — Symptoms. [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/adenovirus/about/index.html). January 4, 2024. - Cough. [Cleveland Clinic](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17755-cough). January 22, 2022. - COVID-19 Activity Increases as Prevalence of JN.1 Variant Continues to Rise. [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/JN.1-update-2024-01-05.html). January 5, 2024. - Relief for Common Symptoms of Colds and Coughs. [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/media/pdfs/HCP-Relief-Colds-Cough-85by11-P.pdf).   Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter\! RELATED ARTICLES [See all in Cough](https://www.everydayhealth.com/cough/?view=all "See all in Cough") [Cold or Flu? 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## **Why Are There More Long-Lasting Coughs?** Coughs are divided into three types, according to the [Cleveland Clinic](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17755-cough). Typically, people have temporary “acute” coughs that last two to three weeks. But Sullivan and Perl say they have been seeing more “subacute” coughs that stay around after you’ve had an infection and last three to eight weeks, as well as “chronic” or persistent coughs that hang on beyond eight weeks. [Khalilah Gates, MD](https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/faculty-profiles/az/profile.html?xid=19727), associate professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine and medical education at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, also has been aware of more people currently having subacute or chronic coughs. She points out that this would be nothing unusual for a typical winter virus season before the pandemic. “We had been without much respiratory virus for three years because of our mask mandates and lockdowns,” says Dr. Gates. “We have to remember that under normal conditions it’s not unusual to see these lingering coughs.” ## People Who Haven’t Been Vaccinated May Experience More Persistent Coughs Perl theorizes that the duration of coughs stemming from flu, COVID-19, or RSV may depend on whether or not an individual has been vaccinated. She stresses that symptoms are generally less severe for those who have been vaccinated and a cough may get better more quickly. According to the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/fluvaxview/coverage-by-season/2022-2023.html), only about half those who are eligible typically get the flu shot, while [data](https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/vaccine-equity.html) as of November 14, 2023, indicates only about 14 percent of U.S. adults have gotten an updated COVID-19 vaccine. According to infectious disease specialist [Helen Chu, MD](https://www.uwmedicine.org/bios/helen-chu), with UW Medicine in Seattle, the current [flu vaccine](https://www.everydayhealth.com/flu/guide/shot/) is well matched to protect against all three kinds of flu virus circulating now — influenza A (H1N1) viruses, influenza A (H3N2) viruses, and influenza B viruses. She suggests that the new monovalent COVID-19 vaccine should provide good protection against JN.1, the predominant variant, per the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/JN.1-update-2024-01-05.html). “This is the first season that the RSV vaccine has been approved, but RSV certainly is circulating and if you’re eligible to get your vaccine, you should be getting it,” adds Dr. Chu. ## What Causes a Cough to Hang On and When to See a Doctor? [Rohan S. Mankikar, MD](https://nyulangone.org/doctors/1851683445/rohan-s-mankikar), pulmonologist and clinical instructor of medicine at NYU Langone Health in New York City, speculates that some of these coughs may be longer-lasting because certain viruses may be more “virulent.” “Some viruses may have the ability to get deeper down in our airways, and rather than only infecting the upper respiratory tract, they also migrate further into the lower tract including the bronchi and bronchioles \[smaller airways\],” says Dr. Mankikar. “Once they replicate in that region, the symptoms take a longer time to improve.” A cough often will go away over time, but Mankikar urges patients to see a physician as soon as possible if they develop a persistent fever, chest pain, persistent hoarseness, shortness of breath, or palpitations. ## Home Remedies to Treat a Lingering Cough Peterson found that taking walks and drinking herbal tea eased her coughing, and taking cough syrup helped her sleep at night. Here are a few other tips on [how to soothe a cough](https://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-and-flu-pictures/home-remedies-for-cough-1028.aspx), according to the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/media/pdfs/HCP-Relief-Colds-Cough-85by11-P.pdf) and the doctors interviewed for this article: - Drink extra fluids and liquids to stay hydrated and reduce excess mucus production. - Use a cool mist vaporizer or saline nasal spray to relieve congestion. - Take honey to ease cough (for adults and children 12 months or older). - Exercise to loosen and cough up mucus more effectively. Note that while some people swear cough suppressants help, [research](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC65295/) has shown over-the-counter cough medicines are generally ineffective. Mankikar warns that cough suppressants may reduce the ability to expectorate (cough up phlegm) so doctors are cautious when prescribing them because they want to make sure that patients can clear their airways. “Healthcare providers, however, can provide medications that will diminish the symptoms while the body’s healing,” says Dr. Sullivan. “It may take weeks, but I can say with great confidence, the cough will eventually go away.”