Taking Care of Coughs and Colds this Winter

23rd December 2022

Winter can be tough for everyone in Stockport. As the weather gets colder, we all know that winter illnesses like coughs and colds can start to spread more easily so it’s important that you take time to look after yourself and your health.

A common cold can usually be treated without seeing a GP and you should begin to feel better in about one or two weeks. The symptoms of a common cold are typically a blocked or runny nose, sore throat, head and muscle aches, coughs, sneezing, raised temperature, pressure in the ears and face, or a loss of taste and smell.

To help you get better quickly Warm and Well Stockport advises people to rest, sleep, drink plenty water-based drinks to avoid dehydration and to stay warm when they’re suffering with a cold, sore throat or cough. Adults are advised to gargle with salted water (not children) or suck ice cubes, while people with coughs are encouraged to make hot lemon and honey drinks and consult their pharmacist about the best cough medicine. For those who can take them, paracetamol or ibuprofen are advised.

Simon Woodworth, Stockport Medical Director, NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care, said: “We want everyone to have a warm and well Christmas and New Year at home with their families. A medicine cabinet with adequate stocks of cold or flu remedies is important, this along with lots of rest and plenty of fluids will see you back to health in a few days. See your pharmacist for advice about how to treat your cough and cold in the first instance.”

Lots of tips on how to stay warm and well this winter can be found here: http://www.stockport.gov.uk/warm-well.