2 folks around me (wife and a co-worker) have suffered the same symptoms (severe sore throat, followed by cough and congestion). I must assume it's a cold. I'm STILL not fully over it. So much for iodine, companion supplements, plus D3 limiting the length and severity of colds and flu. It's been over 2 years since my last cold or flu. I started D3 (5000 IU daily) about 2 and a half years ago. Iodine & companions about 5 months ago, so at least the D3 has helped with prevention...