It is not unusual for the common cold or influenza (the flu) to cause you to develop an annoying winter cough, but it is also important to realise that certain types of coughs can be more serious and may require medical attention.<\/p>\n
THE COMMON COLD<\/strong> The common cold often starts with a sore throat, and other symptoms gradually develop over a few days.<\/p>\n Usually lasting for between 7-10 days, a cold does not usually result in serious health problems.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, the only real cure for a common cold is to wait until it has run its course. Luckily, your pharmacy can provide you with effective relief of your symptoms while you wait for them to resolve.<\/p>\n
\nColds, or upper respiratory tract infections, are the number one cause of illness in both adults and children. Colds are caused by viruses, so antibiotics (which only kill bacteria) cannot help, as they are not effective against a viral infection.<\/p>\n