Cough guide for families and caregivers
Cough guide for families and caregivers. Practical steps for people with cough and their caregivers.
For: People with cough and their caregivers
General guidance across countries. Sources checked 2026-09-26.
Comfort without unnecessary medicines
Rest, drink fluids and avoid smoking or smoky rooms. Honey may soothe a cough in adults and children over one year; never give honey to an infant under one. Warm drinks should not be hot enough to burn.
Antibiotics do not treat viral coughs. Ask before giving a child cough or cold products; many are unsuitable. Cover coughs, wash hands and improve ventilation. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, significant chest pain or coughing blood rather than trying stronger cough syrup.
Sources
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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