Nasty hacking cough that 'lasts weeks' is plaguing Britain – but doctors warn there's NOTHING they can do about it

A NASTY hacking cough that “lasts a number of weeks” is plaguing Britain – but doctors have warned there’s nothing they can do to cure it.

The lingering condition – that is affecting hundreds of thousands of people up and down the country – is resistant to antibiotics, with sufferers urged to rest, drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy meals.

Dr Anna Kuczynska told Wales Online: “We know there is a particularly nasty, persistent cough in the community that lasts a number of weeks and is leading a lot of people to attend their GP surgery.

“Unfortunately, in most cases, unless the patient has another underlying chronic condition for example, heart or lung disease or diabetes, there is often nothing the GP can do to help other than recommend resting and drinking plenty of fluids.”

She added: “Antibiotics will be of no help for most normally healthy people.

"If you see blood or are breathless with your symptoms, have lost weight or symptoms are on-going more than three weeks, patients should get advice.”

Swansea GP Steve Bassett said plenty of rest and fluids, along with keeping warm, are the only cures.

He said: “If you have a cough – even if you are producing green phlegm – if you are eating and drinking normally and are otherwise pretty well; then we don’t need to see you.

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“It’s only if you have other symptoms, such as a fever as well as a cough, or have problems breathing, or are vomiting, that we may need to investigate further.

“Coughs and colds simply have to run their course. There isn’t any prescribed medication which can shorten or cure them, and that includes antibiotics which are not effective on viruses, and are more likely to cause you problematic side effects.”

Practising good hand hygiene will help stop the spread of common winter bugs, and those affected

are advised to avoid visiting hospitals.

Meanwhile, The Queen was struck down with a “heavy cold” over Christmas which caused her to miss the New Year’s Day church service.

The 90-year-old monarch, who has not been seen in public for weeks, is now reportedly on the mend.

It is hoped Her Majesty will join husband Prince Phillip and other family at church this Sunday.

Cough relief tips

1. Stay hydrated: Drinking fluids can help ease the tickle at the back of your throat and ease the irritation.

2. Try lozenges: Sucking a menthol cough drop can numb the back of your throat and decrease the cough reflex.

3. Take steamy showers: A hot shower can help stop a cough by loosening secretions in the nose.

4.  Stop smoking: Cigarettes will make the problem worse.

5. Avoid irritants: Perfume and scented bathroom sprays may irritate your sinuses and aggravate a cough.

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