If you were running a fever then it was influenza, not a cold. I really like the Mayo Clinic website for health information. Intelihealth is also really good, and it reports (and sometimes comments on) health- and medicine-related news stories.
And yes, post-nasal drip is horrible--I usually treat it with large amounts of tea, since I find hot liquids very soothing. I like the flavor and burn of fresh ginger tea: a knob of ginger (start with one half the size of a woman's thumb and adjust to fit your taste) peeled and sliced thin as you can get it, simmered in 3 cups water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and sweeten if desired. (I drink mine neat.) Add more hot water to dilute if it's too gingery.
Re: Postcognitive sympathies
And yes, post-nasal drip is horrible--I usually treat it with large amounts of tea, since I find hot liquids very soothing. I like the flavor and burn of fresh ginger tea: a knob of ginger (start with one half the size of a woman's thumb and adjust to fit your taste) peeled and sliced thin as you can get it, simmered in 3 cups water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and sweeten if desired. (I drink mine neat.) Add more hot water to dilute if it's too gingery.