If your partner has been suffering from a cold for a week and the symptoms are not improving with medication, it may be beneficial to try reducing the mucus in their nose using a technique like Sinus Rinse™ twice a day for at least 5 days. This could help reduce the drainage in their throat and consequently their cough. It's generally recommended to seek medical advice for a persistent cough (without a fever) only after 3 weeks of continuous coughing. Therefore, it might be a good idea to try this technique sooner rather than later.