What should you know about flu and cough?

Inflammation makes the throat and breathing tubes more sensitive, so talking, cold air or mucus can trigger coughing. Flu commonly brings fever, tiredness and body aches, but a cough can also occur with a Common Cold or Acute Bronchitis. Allergic Rhinitis may cause throat drainage, while Acid Reflux can irritate the throat; asthma, Bronchiectasis and Bronchiolitis are other possible explanations in the right clinical context.

The pattern matters: a cough that is steadily improving is different from one that becomes harsher, causes breathlessness, or continues without a clear recovery.

Rest, drink fluids and avoid smoke or other airway irritants. Warm drinks may soothe an irritated throat. Use pain or fever medicine only as directed and check that combination cold products do not duplicate ingredients. Honey may help some adults and older children, but it should not be given to babies.

Cover coughs, wash your hands and reduce close contact while you are acutely unwell. A clinician can help if the cough is disrupting sleep, work, eating or breathing.

Get urgent help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, coughing blood, or chest pain that is severe or persistent. Arrange medical review if fever returns, breathing becomes noisy, the cough is worsening instead of easing, or you are coughing up increasing amounts of phlegm. Seek earlier advice for a baby, an older adult, pregnancy, or a long-term lung condition.

Ask whether your cough fits flu or another cause, how long recovery should take, and which treatments are suitable with your medicines. Tell the clinician whether the cough is dry or phlegmy, worse at night or after meals, and associated with wheezing or breathlessness.