Take rest, drink plenty of warm fluids such as water or herbal tea, and get adequate sleep to help your body recover. For a sore throat and cough, you can try warm salt water gargles and use simple over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol and cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan. Avoid cold foods, smoking, and irritants, and keep your throat warm and hydrated. If symptoms last more than a week, worsen, or are accompanied by a high fever or breathing difficulty, consult a doctor promptly.

Your symptoms are often related, as a viral cold can lead to a cough, a blocked nose, and a headache, and may also trigger migraines in people who have a history of them. The headache may be part of the infection itself or a migraine flare-up caused by congestion, physical stress, and dehydration. You can manage these symptoms by resting, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if suitable. Continue your usual migraine treatment if it has been prescribed, and seek medical advice if your symptoms worsen or last more than a week.

For a dry cough while breastfeeding, cough syrups containing dextromethorphan are generally considered safe when used at normal doses. Avoid syrups with codeine or strong sedating antihistamines, as they may affect the baby or milk supply. You can also use simple supportive measures, such as warm fluids and honey, if suitable for you. If the cough persists or worsens, it is best to consult a doctor for personalised advice.

A heavy, dry cough with throat pain is commonly caused by a viral infection (cold or flu), throat inflammation (pharyngitis or laryngitis), or irritation from dust, smoke, or allergies. It may also occur due to post-nasal drip or acid reflux affecting the throat. You can relieve it by drinking warm fluids, gargling with salt water, resting your voice, and using honey or paracetamol for pain relief. If needed, over-the-counter lozenges or cough suppressants may help reduce coughing. Please see a doctor if your cough lasts more than two weeks or if you develop chest pain or shortness of breath.

A cough can feel worse at night because lying flat allows mucus from the nose and sinuses to drip into the throat, which can cause irritation. Stomach acid can also travel upward more easily when lying down, triggering coughing. Some conditions, such as asthma, can worsen at night as the airways become more sensitive. Dry or cold air may also irritate the airways and increase coughing at night. If the cough lasts more than a few weeks or becomes severe, you should seek medical advice.

A cough can be dry or wet, and the treatment depends on its type. For a dry (non-productive) cough, a suppressant syrup containing dextromethorphan may help, while for a wet (productive) cough, an expectorant such as guaifenesin can help loosen mucus. Warm fluids, honey, and rest may also provide relief. It is best to consult a doctor to determine the cause of your cough and receive appropriate treatment.