Well, it seems I have a choice -- cough my back out or get a reaction to Claritin. Took the recommendations and got some Claritin. After an hour, the coughing stopped. YEAH!!!! In another hour, I was in bed with mild chills and every joint hurting. Hmmm -- flu maybe, not allergy? Never heard of a flu or cold starting with a cough, but what do I know? Okay, fix some soup, put on warm jammies, try to sleep. Another two hours or so and the coughing starts again. Take another pill. Twenty minutes later back to the chills and body aches. Oh, crud! I'm sensitive to the meds (nothing new there -- I'm allergic to most medications).

So, no to the honey (bee allergy), no to Claritin or Actifed or Benedryl for that matter and most defnitely NO to going to a doc for a shot. Guess I'll have to suffer through it. Thanks for the advice, everyone. (Sorry, but no way I am using a neti pot -- looked it up and it just looked gross.)

This is a response to "Red's" post......

You may very well have the virus that's going around. I have/had it and it began first (for me) with profuse sneezing and my head felt "funny"...then the cough began. I too thought "allergies"....but after the cough got worse and I felt "blah". Slight head-ache, very tired, no energy and no appetite..and eventually a horrid cough. I went to urgent-care where they said it was "THE VIRUS". I also had bronchitis and a sinus infection. I'm now in week three. Slight cough, still the energy hasn't quite come back. Been told this thing hangs on for a long time! Don't know what "long time" means. Each person is different I guess! Hoping you feel better! Rest, drink LOTS of fluids and see your doctor if you get worse.

weird response post
 

I responded to "Red" and it came out like I'd posted the whole thing. Sorry Red...it's the link I think as it didn't turn out like it did before the revisions!!!

So sorry you are suffering.

We heard recently people who don't have allergies are getting them this year. My husband is suffering with a non-stop cough and has never in his life had allergies. He has been taking Mucinex DM, pharmacist suggestion, but not helping. Honey sounds like a good idea.

If you want over-the-counter help, Walgreen's now has Allegra in generic form that you can buy without a prescription. Claritin is also good OTC.

Went to the Publix pharmacist and she reccommended Publix brand Tussamax which I am happy to say seems to be countrolling my cough :smiley:

Me too...
 

I have been suffering from food and pollen allergies for over 15 year (nurse said my knapsack got full), all of which are basically kept under control by a Loretadine (gen. Claritin) a day.

Each year during high pollen times, either here or in Connecticut or both, I am bothered to some degree, but this year I have been getting hammered...all the symptoms listed in this thread!!!

I have been going back and forth in my mind between thinking I'm sick and thinking heavy allergies.

Thanks to the input from posters, I am thinking illness.

I made an appointment for a Allergist tomorrow thinking I had to begin allergy shots but maybe he'll perscribe meds for "The Virus!"

Thanks for the info, everyone. TOTV - the place to come for clarity!!!
_

tpop -- I'm with you. I'm beginning to think this is one very nasty virus as opposed to allergies. If it is a virus, don't bother asking for anything -- viruses have to run their course and any antibiotics prescribed just make bacteria stronger for when you might need to combat them. However, if you get a high fever, then see a doc for the sinus infection. This virus/allergy is not kind!!

Whatever it is, Red, allergies or THE VIRUS that seems to be working its way around TV, feel better fast. Rest, relax, recover. Hope you're up and around quickly.

Has anyone used Dr. George Stewart or Dr. Thomas Johnson for allergies?
How about Dr. Shen? These are the ones in our insurance plans