Persistent cough after respiratory infection is quite common. During and shortly after an infection, the cough stimulus takes on various important functions for the healing process because it transports the bronchial mucus from the lungs.
If the cough lasts for several weeks after the infection has subsided, usually between three and eight, it is called post-infectious. A sip of water or tea can calm the annoying cough. Inhaling moistens the respiratory tract and various herbal remedies, such as sage and ivy, could also accelerate healing.