Hi all,

I am one of those chronically suffering from cold, sore throats, blocked and runny nose etc. I have been like this since I was a child and normally I know how to deal with it.

However, for the past 3 weeks I was having a rather annoying sore throat which is very untypical for a number of reasons:

- it lasts way too long (usually doesn't last longer than 3-4 days). It's been more than 3 weeks now and doesn't seem like I'm about to get better any time soon despite taking all regular action (herbal tea, lots of liquids, salty water garlgling, antiseptic lozenges, antiseptic spray etc.)
- there were no other associated symptoms (such as runny or blocked nose) for the first two weeks or so.
- I haven't had (and still don't) fever i.e. my body temperature has never gone above 37 degrees C (98.6F).

A few days ago, however, my nose started messing up (blocked, runny etc., still not too bad though). The sore throat still remains and keeps travelling around my throat from one side to another. It doesn't look too good in a mirror either (swollen, red, with some whitish and redish spots i.e. looks like a serious cold).

Today I had an occasional mild aching in my left ear and an occasional dizzy spell (similar to that of strongly blowing nose but much much milder, i.e. I can berely feel it but it does happen).

All in all I would say it's some kind of nasty infection that just won't go. I did all traditional stuff which I do in a case of cold or influenza but nothing did any good it seems. It's lasting way too long and I'm getting worried.

I will be seeing a doctor (one who specializes in nose/throat) next week but it's still at least 5 or 6 days... I'm very worried that it's too long and may lead to something much worse.

Should I go to my nearest walk-in accidents&emergency and ask for antibiotics or something? I know I may just bee too paranoid but I also know that when it comes to ear infections it's not a joke either and can lead to serious problems.

Any suggestion what should I do?