Just want to say this old thread has been very helpful -- and more than a little depressing -- to me now, as I'm getting over the flu or a bad cold (or some other incurable disease) ;-) and it's taking what seems like an eternity (over a week) to get back to where I can sing without a severe break in mid-range.   (I've cancelled gigs, stayed off the phone, and hardly talked at all for a week. Today I tried a little very soft singing -- in my baritone range -- and yesterday when I tried some warm-ups, I could sing in my higher alto and baritone ranges but not in between.

I guess I was expecting better results from resting, taking guaifenasine (to loosen phlegm), sucking zinc lozenges, drinking lots of herb tea and water, and basically staying mute for a week.   Some of you have given very helpful suggestions. But it's depressing to hear that voice loss can last for weeks or months!

I know I need to rest my voice, and I'm doing that, but it also seems unrealistic to let any muscle atrophy for days and then expect it to be less than wobbly when you start using it again.
(BTW, I may not be able to sing again yet, but I just tried humming Over The Rainbow, and I hit all the notes. Sort of.
I guess that's a start.)

Now, where can I find port at this hour? Hmmm....
§;-D