my mom has been in the hosp. for 8 days now. extreme throat pain, shortness of breath from mucous in the airway, low wbc counts (0.6), etc. she was not able to eat or drink. she is better now, they have her on antibiotics, mucinex, prednisone, etc. seems to help, she can speak again! let me know what you find. this is a very tough regiment....keep in touch. heather