Q: I had a bout of viral fever about 2 months back which lasted for 3 days after which I experienced extreme weakness for about 2 weeks. Later, I almost lost my voice and it took me nearly a week or so to regain it. It is still hoarse presently and has not come back to normal yet. I had a similar episode of cold with loss of voice last year too and it took me about 2 months to regain it after which I got the above mentioned fever. I have continuous cold especially after a head bath which I take once a week. Generally when I suffer from cold I get my voice back within 3 to 4 days. Please advise.

A:Recurrent colds and laryngitis may be caused by repeated exposure to prevalent viruses. Working closely with children or in an enclosed poorly ventilated environment can predispose people with low resistance to this repeating cycle. A vacation or more rest with less stress is often needed to help break the cycle. Avoiding sick people, cigarette or other irritating smokes or fumes, and cold, damp or mouldy environments are all important considerations. Some people feel that more exercise and multivitamins with zinc supplementation help. Herbal remedies that may be of benefit include echinacea, ginseng and codonopsis. Steamy air aromatised with eucalyptus and menthol can give relief when breathed in for 10-20 minutes 3-4 times a day. Unless there is an underlying disease (such as a blood or immunity deficiency), the cycle of recurrent infections tends to cease spontaneously after 6-9 months.