The lingering cough turned out to be pneumonia, aka "old man's friend" because while the coughing is tedious the anoxia produces a dreamy lassitude.... Better to treat it, though, unless you're ready to go.
@rpardee First time I've had it in 70 years, I'm pretty sure, and I have a relative who gets it at the drop of a hat, so I'm perversely pleased to finally join the club -- though part of the pleasure is the expectation that after a week of antibiotics this damn cough will finally go away.
@ImagineThat good show. Would it make sense to lay in some oxygen too?