COUGHS that last a long time this winter may be the result of people picking up one infection after another, a North West GP leader has said.

Dr Paula Cowan, Medical Director for Primary Care for NHS England North West and a practicing GP, said doctors across the region have noticed that the current round of respiratory infections seems to be lasting longer than usual.

Dr Cowan said: “We are seeing more Flu and respiratory illness with coughs lasting longer this winter”

“Most of the public have been socially isolated during the last two winters and this appears to have reduced their resistance to infections – this seems to make it more likely they will pick up infections than in previous years.

“There are many circulating viruses so getting over one type of infection does not give immunity against another one.

“We’d encourage patients to do what they can to keep themselves well this winter, including practising good public hygiene such as regular handwashing, or using hand gels if that isn’t possible, and throwing tissues away once they’ve been used. Also if you have a cough, please do consider wearing a face mask”

Dr Cowan also said that most patients suffering coughs and the common cold will recover without the need for medical attention.

She recommended regular paracetamol for any temperature, sore throat or earache, keeping warm, getting plenty of rest, and drinking lots of fluids.

“We’d encourage patients to understand that giving antibiotics for viral infections will not help, as they only help with bacterial infections,” she said.

“Most upper respiratory tract infections are due to viruses.

“Pharmacists will also be able to provide advice on appropriate over-the-counter medicines that may help with symptoms, but do not ‘cure’ the infection.

“If a cough is particularly persistent, or bringing up discoloured phlegm, has severely worsened with shortness of breath, or if a patient is experiencing chest pain or losing weight for no reason, they should seek a medical opinion.”

People can help prevent the risk of serious illness from winter viruses by getting their flu and Covid vaccines. It’s not too late to come forward and hundreds of sites across the region, including general practices, pharmacies and hospital hubs, are continuing to offer first, second and autumn booster doses of the Covid vaccine. Free NHS flu vaccines are also still available at general practices and pharmacies for eligible people.

Self-care advice on treating the symptoms of a cough is available from the NHS online at Cough – NHS (www.nhs.uk)