3. Cough
Another common symptom of a viral infection is a cough. The cough could be dry and raspy and even cause wheezing. Other times, a person suffering from a viral infection may have a cough that is productive and bringing up phlegm and other fluids from the lungs. Coughs can be quite persistent and depending on the type of virus that a person has they might last for several days or even weeks.
If a cough is persistent for more than seven days it is a good idea to go to your doctor to determine the underlying cause. Over the counter, cough medications can often help alleviate this symptom for a short amount of time. Often, these medications will give you enough relief so that you can get some sleep, which is what your body needs in order to heal. Your doctor might prescribe other medications depending on what is causing you to cough.