Honey and Lemon is another solution for the treatment of cough

Dr Tim Ballard, vice chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, which represents 48,000 GPs, said: “The medical evidence behind cough medicines is weak and there is no evidence to say that they will reduce the duration of illnesses - as such, GPs are unlikely to prescribe them.”

He added: “If the cough lasts longer and is affecting young infants, or is associated with coughing up blood, shortness of breath, confusion, or high fever, then they should contact their GP practice, although a face-to-face appointment might not be necessary.”

Meanwhile, the NHS Choices website, which contains the latest official NHS advice, says: “There’s no quick way of getting rid of a cough caused by a viral infection. It will usually clear up after your immune system has fought off the virus.

“If there is an underlying condition causing a cough, this will need specific treatment.

“The simplest and cheapest way to treat a short-term cough may be a homemade cough remedy containing honey and lemon. The honey is a demulcent, which means it coats the throat and relieves the irritation that causes coughing.”

The website adds: “There’s little evidence to suggest cough medicines actually work, although some ingredients may help treat symptoms associated with a cough, such as a blocked nose or fever.”