Glad to hear you're doing better, grgranny. I feel for you -- I am just getting over (at least I HOPE I AM) the cold-that-never-ends. I've got a crappy immune system and singing the Berliotz Te Deum earlier this month became a physical strain that was enough to start my downward spiral.
Altos should never have to sing that high! I think the composer had some personal issues with altos, since we spent alot of time standing around doing nothing while the sopranos and men sang. Then, when he did give us something to do, we had to imitate sopranos. And, of course, we all had to travel to the orchestra for rehersals and the concert. Once the adrenaline rush wore off, I suspect most of us had raspy throats. (This is a Cecil B. Demille, cast of 1000's type piece. Mostly full out loud). In fact, I am surprised more people didn't end up sick after hearing how other people had to rearrange their schedules and run around like crazy that week.
Several weeks, several boxes of puffs and gallons of juice later, I have decided nothing worse is coming and I might just live. Just in time for our Christmas concert! At least I won't need hospitalization. I always tell the medical types that I don't like them enough to stay there! Fortunately, I haven't had to for quite awhile.
Now that you're on new meds, maybe you can stay away from them too!
PS, have to ask about your daughter. We haven't heard much about her lately. Hope she's doing better too.