I have had an itchy throat for about a week, sometimes it s a little sore, red, but not terribly red. I can open my mouth and talk, no problem with my ears. I have been gargling with warm water, sometimes Listerine, it helps a little. Then I started coughing yesterday and have coughed more today. It isn t hurting my chest, yet, i am trying to prevent further symptoms, etc. i have heard and known from others there are quite a few people with same symptoms in last 2 months. have you heard similarly? what can i do to prevent further coughing?