By Katie-Ann Gupwell

Copyright manchestereveningnews

We’re approaching that period of the year when various viruses are making their presence felt and, with numerous coughs and sniffles going around, there are particular warning signs you might want to keep an eye on . Besides staying vigilant for any indicators of sickness, you may seek methods to banish stubborn coughs and colds swiftly and, according to one medical professional, there’s a single approach people ought to take. Doctor Shireen, who practises as an NHS GP, revealed she has one recommendation to lessen the impact of coughs this autumn and winter. She suggests that taking a straightforward tablet can prove remarkably effective, as it could genuinely alleviate your symptoms and help enhance your health . This advice is particularly valuable, given that countless individuals battle with coughs throughout the chillier months, and no one wants them lingering around. To assist you further, there’s also a method you could employ that reportedly soothes cough symptoms quickly. In a TikTok clip previously posted online, Doctor Shireen explained: “I’m going to give you one small tip, [an] extremely easy tip, that is going to reduce the duration and severity of any cold you have this winter. So, the second you notice an itchy throat, a runny nose, itchy, like burning eyes. “Anything that suggests you’ve got a cough or a cold coming, what I want you to do is take two things. Vitamin C and zinc. You can actually get like these Berocca-style tablets that you can pop into water. Just start it. “You can’t prevent coughs or colds, but research is out there to show that taking zinc and vitamin C reduces the duration and the severity. I’ve personally been doing this for the last couple of years and, I can tell you, it really works.” Combined vitamin C and zinc supplements are available to bolster immune system function, shield cells from oxidative damage and support general health and wellbeing. Whilst vitamin C aids immune response, collagen production and helps combat fatigue, zinc plays a crucial role in areas such as immune health, normal eyesight and brain function. When consumed in combination, they deliver a dual enhancement to immune defences. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient present in fruits and vegetables. Ensuring adequate intake through your diet helps maintain healthy skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage. Some individuals also hold the belief that high vitamin C consumption can help ward off colds or alleviate cold symptoms when they develop. Nevertheless, insufficient evidence exists to confirm its effectiveness as a treatment. Despite this, it is recognised that a serious vitamin C deficiency can significantly hamper our body’s ability to combat infection. Consequently, inadequate vitamin C intake over extended periods could potentially heighten your susceptibility to illness. Furthermore, maintaining adequate vitamin C levels offers numerous health advantages, which is why meeting the daily recommended intake is deemed crucial. Some studies have also suggested that daily vitamin C supplementation might help lessen both the severity and length of severe colds. Similar claims have been made regarding zinc. Whilst the scientific evidence remains inconclusive, it may potentially reduce symptom intensity, particularly when administered within 24 hours of onset. The NHS website states: “You can often treat a cold without seeing a GP. You should begin to feel better in about one to two weeks. “Symptoms of a cold can last longer in young children. They may also be irritable, have difficulty feeding and sleeping, breathe through their mouth and get sick after coughing.” Typically, colds can be managed at home, with various measures available to help alleviate the condition. The NHS recommends these approaches include: For more information, visit the website and if you have any concerns, consult your GP for additional advice. It’s also recommended to seek medical advice before starting any supplement regimen.