Coughing the plague

When this cough first started over four weeks ago I stayed indoors and was poorly with it but as time has gone on and I've gone through various remedies, one of which involved lots of lemons, honey and nearly a full bottle of whiskey (three or four glasses of that a day soon makes damage on the bottle but luckily Aldi do a great priced version!), and although I am no longer poorly the cough is persistent. It isn't possible to stay indoors 24/7 any more - I did that the first week or so - so now when I go out I can't help feeling I am viewed as if I am carrying the plague. Well yes, I know I am carrying germs and I make sure I am not in unnecessary confined proximity with non-consenting others, and I take good care that I cough into a large tissue, but I do feel like an outcast. As if I am being irresponsible for venturing out of the house. As if I am personally responsible for the national increased incidence of swine flu. As if it is much fun having this cough that goes on and on and depressingly seems to be getting worse at times. Oh joy.