How to get rid of dry cough after respiratory infection?

Summary: This post will walk readers through what a post-infectious cough is, why it happens, how long it lasts, and what you can do about it—including when to see a doctor.

You’ve finally kicked that nasty cold or flu—or so you thought. But now, weeks later, you’re still hacking away with a dry cough that just won’t quit. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. What you’re dealing with might be something called a post-infectious cough, and while it's common, it can also be extremely frustrating.

What is a post-infectious cough?

A post-infectious cough is exactly what it sounds like: a lingering cough that sticks around after a respiratory infection—like a cold, flu, or even COVID-19—has technically resolved. The main culprit? Inflammation. Even after the infection is gone, your airways may remain hypersensitive and inflamed, leading to a dry, persistent cough.

What causes it and what are the symptoms?

Causes:

• Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs): These include viral infections like the common cold, influenza, RSV, and COVID-19.
• Airway inflammation: Even if you're no longer sick, the airways can stay irritated for weeks.
• Postnasal drip or throat clearing: Ongoing mucous drainage can tickle the throat and provoke coughing.
• Cough reflex sensitivity: After an infection, your body may overreact to minor triggers like cold air or talking.

Common symptoms include:

• Dry, non-productive cough (no phlegm)
• Worse at night or after physical activity
• Can be triggered by talking, laughing, or deep breathing
• No fever or active signs of infection

Also read: Understanding Persistent Coughs - Causes And When To See A Doctor?

How long does a dry cough last after upper respiratory infection?

Typically, a post-infectious cough lasts 2 to 8 weeks—yes, weeks. For most people, it gradually tapers off, but in some cases, it can persist longer. The good news? It’s usually not serious.

How do I know if my upper respiratory infection is viral or bacterial?

It’s hard to tell without a medical exam, but here are some clues:

Symptom	Viral infection	Bacterial infection
Onset	Gradual	Sudden
Fever	Low-grade or none	Higher, persistent fever
Nasal symptoms	Common (runny nose, sneezing)	Less common
Cough	Dry or wet, lingering	Often wet and worsening
Duration	Improves in 7–10 days	May worsen or not improve after 10 days

Your doctor may perform a physical exam, swab test, or chest X-ray to confirm.

Can a post-infectious cough be serious?

In most cases, no—it’s annoying, but not dangerous. That said, if your cough is accompanied by:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Blood in sputum …it would be advisable to see a doctor.

Is a post-infectious cough contagious?

No. Once the infection itself is gone, you’re not contagious—just stuck with a sensitive cough reflex. That said, it can still be something that you can become self conscious about, especially in public or in confined spaces like meetings.

Home remedies & lifestyle changes for post-infectious cough

Here’s how you can help your body heal:

• Stay hydrated: Warm fluids soothe the throat and thin mucous.
• Honey + tea: A classic remedy—honey can coat your throat and ease coughing.
• Steam inhalation or humidifiers: Help loosen congestion and calm irritated airways.
• Avoid irritants: Smoke, strong perfumes, and cold air can trigger coughing.
• Lozenges or throat sprays: These can offer temporary relief.
• Elevate your head at night: Reduces postnasal drip and coughing.

Bonus Tip: Try breathing through your nose during the day and at night. Mouth-breathing dries out the throat and can worsen coughing.

What if it doesn’t go away?

If your cough is still persistent after 8 weeks—or getting worse—it’s time to consider other potential causes. Chronic coughs can be linked to:

• Asthma or post-viral bronchial hyper-responsiveness
• Acid reflux (GORD)
• Postnasal drip/chronic sinusitis
• Less commonly, something more serious like pertussis or a lung issue

Also read: Types of dry cough and their potential causes

When to seek medical advice

Don’t ignore these red flags:

• Cough lasting more than 8 weeks
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• High or persistent fever
• Sudden worsening after initial improvement
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue

Seeing a GP via telehealth

If you're unsure whether it’s time to see a doctor, telehealth is a great first step. You can:

• Describe your symptoms
• Get prescriptions for cough suppressants or asthma inhalers if needed
• Be referred for tests if something more serious is suspected

Telehealth makes it easy to check in without leaving your couch—ideal if you're still feeling rundown.

How Hola Health helps with post-infectious cough

• 24/7 Telehealth appointments: Speak with an Australian-registered doctor anytime, from the comfort of your home.
• Night-doctor services: Telehealth GPs are available to evaluate lingering coughs after infections like RSV, flu, or COVID-19 after clinical hours, during weekends or on public holidays.
• Specialist referrals online: Hola Health can issue referrals to respiratory specialists for complex or persistent cases.
• Online scripts delivered to your phone: Prescriptions for cough medications or inhalers sent straight to your device.
• Medical certificates through telehealth: Request a certificate if your lingering cough affects your daily routine.

Final thoughts

A post-infectious cough can feel like an unwanted houseguest that overstays its welcome—but in most cases, it’s just your body finishing the healing process. With a little patience, self-care, it’ll usually pass with time.