Persistent Cough

History:  I am 50, female.  I recently had a nephrectomy. Soon after, I traveled by air and caught something.  I have not been able to shake the cough since.  I've been taking Musinex.  The cough has subsided, but still remains a problem after 6 weeks.  Do I need an antibiotic to get rid of this?  

[National Jewish Health]

With your cough subsiding at 6 weeks, it is highly likely that you do not need an antibiotic – as long as the cough continues to improve.  It is common for a post-infection cough to last 6 to 12 weeks.