As the weather cools down and the days get darker, it’s time to accept that cold and flu season is here. Whether you’re sniffling on the bus or are waking up achy, you might find yourself surprised by just how uncomfortable the symptoms of a common cold can be. And there’s one symptom that is particularly pesky – a cough that just won’t go away.

A sore throat and a cough is one of the most common symptoms of cold or flu. This is usually caused by a viral infection, which causes the glands in the neck to swell, making your throat feel irritated. “In viral infections, the virus causes a local inflammatory reaction, which causes the glands in the neck the swell and also for the pharynx (back of the throat) to become sensitive and tender,” explains GP Dr Ross Perry.

How to soothe a cough and a sore throat, according to a GP