Glad to hear you are recovering.
For many years I seemed to catch any type of respiratory flu that was going around. I also was fighting a cold or sore throat constantly during the winter months. During those years I had periods when I could only eat soups, etc. because my throat would be so sore it would bleed. I tried all kinds of stuff, but they were always some sort or relief to minimize my misery. I had a chest flu when I was 13 and ended up being hospitalized for about a week. Then two years later I was overexposed to a chemical spray and again spend a couple of days in the hospital. When I would take a physical during my early adult years my history was always noted with chest x-rays. I was told it was because of some minor tissue damage.
About 30 - 32 years ago I had an acquaintance who was into alternative medicine suggest I try eating a grapefruit everyday during the flu and cold season. He said to peel it like an orange and eat it with the skin and some of the white pulp. My first reaction was to ignore the advice, but my issues continued, I don't remember the details, but I do remember thinking after a while, "what is there to lose?" When you suffer something year after year you get to the place where you will try most anything if there is some possibility of relief. I did not like grapefruit and the thought of eating one peeled was even more distasteful to me. But, I decided to follow his suggestion and at least try it. I think he told me to try it for at least a month, but I don't remember because I never stopped after I started.
Now 30 plus years later I am religious about this doing this from early fall till late spring. The reason is simple, it really worked for me. A couple of times over those years I got a late start in the fall and was reminded by a cold or sore throat. I am now 71 and for the period of my life when respiratory flu, colds, sore throats, should have been much worse for me, I have been free of these issues. I understand everyone of us is different and ymmv.