During the winter months, throbbing painful throats and congestive coughs can spread like wildfire, especially around the office and on the daily commute.

But how do you cure this terrible cough?

There are thousands of sufferers of a nasty cough virus which is plaguing the county - which began over the festive period.

Admissions to hospitals have soared, as well as GP surgeries being inundated with appointments related to the hacking cough, but, unfortunately, it cannot be treated by antibiotics.

Some are at risk of the cough turning into a serious lung infection, but over-the-counter medicines are barely touching the symptoms, reports The Bristol Post .

Researchers from the American Chemical Society claim that cough syrups are not much better than a placebo, and other remedies, including echinacea, vitamin C and zinc are just as helpless.

Even the Queen has reportedly fallen victim to the dreadful cough, as reported by Devon Live .

Cough suppressants can leave you feeling drowsy, and at best can at least aid a better night's sleep, claim the scientists.

However, a report also concluded that there is little evidence the active ingredients listed, dextromethorphan ('night time' forumulations) do anything to ease the persistent cough.

With a cough hard to remedy and counteract, what can you do about it?

Why do we cough?

The act of coughing is a safety reflex from the body, a way of keeping unwanted stuff from staying in the lungs.

The inflammation of the airways after a virus can also mean coughing symptoms linger long after the infection has passed.

But, there are simple tricks you can implement to sooth your airways.

Drink plenty of Water

It may seem a simple remedy, but can also be as easy to forget. Staying hydrated allows the body to thin out the excess mucus and reduce the cough reflex - allowing you to get respite from constantly coughing.

Drinking liquids helps to keep the mucus membranes moist, and this is particularly helpful in the winter when homes can tend to be hot and dry.

Keep a glass of water handy by the bed at night, sipping water can prevent a coughing fit, and the sooner you can stop continuing the better.

If you're at work or out then try to keep your water filled up to ease a cough if it is persistent. Coughing irritates the airways even more and can make it last longer.

Get steamy

Having a steamy shower or a hot bath can loosen secretions in your nose which can also ease a cough. Also, try adding a few drops of eucalyptus or menthol oil on the shower wall to boost the effect - but never directly on the skin.

A warm cuppa

Hot drinks can aid getting rid of a cough, a nice warm cuppa combines the steam effect for thinning the mucus and soothes the throat. Many people like to have honey with fresh lemon in a mug of hot water.

Humidify the air

The dry air can irritate the airways, so investing in a humidifier for the dryer months can ease congestion, however, ensure you clean the humidifier as it can become a breeding ground for mould and fungus which can worsen coughs further.

Having bowls of water or damp towels on a radiator are a cheap alternative to plug-in humidifiers.

Sweet relief

Sucking cough sweets can also help, says the American Chemical Society, as they stimulate the production of saliva which soothes your irritated throat.

Any boiled sweet will help, as they do the same thing, and it does not need to be a branded cough sweet.

Get elevated

Try sleeping with extra pillows, especially if your cough gets worse at night and when you're trying to get to sleep. Gravity does share some blame in this.

The mucus which you would normally swallow during the day when standing or sitting flows back and irritates the throat when you're lying down. If you place another pillow underneath your head it can help the process.

Get rid of the smellies around the house

Although air fresheners and scented candles may seem harmless and allow your home to smell fresh, as well as offering an exciting aroma, can also cause sinus irritation.

Sinus irritation can then produce extra mucus, which in turn means more coughing.

Avoid smoke

It may seem obvious, but if you are a smoker try to stop or cut down how much you are smoking, as it is one of the worst irrtants.

Furthermore, smoke outside as having smoke inside will contaminate the air and linger. Try to avoid areas where there are smokers and keep the home smoke-free.

Warm house, warm heart

By keeping the house warm you will help to prevent more coughing. Have you ever noticed you cough more when you walk outside and into the cold air?

Colder temperatures can exacerbate a persistent cough, so if you have a cold, or a respiratory infection, avoid being outside in the cold for too long.