What does a cough mean?

A cough is not a 'bad' thing: it is there for a reason. It helps defend your lungs by making sure that any secretions your tubes produce are coughed up, rather than settling in the lower lungs where they would cause trouble. Similarly, 'phlegm' or 'sputum' is there to act as a barrier to catch the dust and germs that we breathe in.

Because your cough is part of your body's defence mechanisms, it is likely to be the last symptom of your current illness to go back to normal.

The processs of recovery, even with any treatment that your doctor may have prescribed, is likely to take up to two to three weeks to complete. Assuming you are otherwise feeling well, you need not worry if your cough and phlegm take this time to settle, especially if you are getting gradually better every day.

Is there anything I should look out for?

Should you find that you develop any new or worsening symptoms, or if you start to cough up any blood, it would be sensible to telephone the surgery and make an appointment for a further check.