Winter Cough and Cold: Antibiotics Are Usually the Wrong Answer

What actually helps

Warm fluids, honey for cough (not under one year), steam inhalation and rest. Paracetamol for fever and aches.

When antibiotics are needed

Fever beyond three days, thick green sputum with breathlessness, or symptoms that improve then worsen suggest bacterial infection.

Protect the vulnerable

Annual influenza vaccination for the elderly, pregnant women, children and anyone with asthma or diabetes prevents serious illness.

The takeaway

Bring your cough to us if it lasts more than three weeks — it needs a chest X-ray.