Dr Xand appeared on BBC Morning Live on January 19 to offer guidance on coughs and colds, following research showing human rhinovirus can trigger pneumonia in adults. Speaking to presenters Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones, the public health specialist outlined when a persistent cough requires medical attention.
He reminded viewers that the NHS advises seeing a doctor if a cough lasts for more than three weeks, though a cough can linger for three to four weeks and still be resolving naturally. 'Most commonly it's a virus,' he said.
The NHS does not recommend cough syrup, Dr Xand stated, suggesting instead that hot lemon with honey has a similar effect to cough medicines. This remedy coats the throat, reducing irritation and calming the cough reflex, and may work particularly well for dry coughs.
He also listed red-flag signs: high fever or chills, shortness of breath without explanation, chest pain with coughing, thick mucus that is hard to move, and extreme tiredness. More serious warning symptoms include difficulty moving air in and out, blue lips or fingertips, confusion, and a fever that will not subside.
The NHS says most coughs do not require a GP visit, advising rest, plenty of fluids, and staying home if feeling unwell or having a high temperature. Over-the-counter cough medicines often perform little better than a placebo, according to research.
