I am a 30 year old female with cold and flu symptoms: the worst being a persistent dry cough which is continuous day and night and keeps me awake most of the night, and has done for 8 days. I initially took paracetamol and cough syrup to no avail. For two days now I have been using a nebuliser, as prescribed by a pharmacist, although so far I haven t found any improvement. I understand that such a cough resulting from flu can last up to eighteen days. However I really need to start to work again and I want to speed up the healing process if possible, particularly regarding the cough (I teach). I would be so grateful for any advice.