Coughs, Age 12 and Older

There is no sure way to prevent a cough. To help reduce your risk:

• Reference Wash your hands frequently during the cold and flu season. This helps prevent the spread of a virus that may cause a cold or Reference influenza Opens New Window.
• Avoid people who have a cold or influenza if possible.
• Don't smoke or use other forms of tobacco. A dry, hacking "smoker's cough" means your lungs are constantly irritated. For more information, see the topic Reference Quitting Smoking.
• Avoid exposure to Reference secondhand smoke Opens New Window, both at home and in the workplace.
• Increase your fluid intake. This helps keep the mucus thin and helps you cough it up. It also helps prevent Reference dehydration Opens New Window.
• Get a flu shot (influenza vaccine) each year. For more information, see the topic Reference Influenza (Seasonal Flu).
• Get a pneumococcal shot if you are age 65 or older; if you have chronic lung disease, such as Reference asthma Opens New Window or Reference chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Opens New Window (COPD); if you smoke; or if you have a Reference health risk that increases the seriousness of your symptoms.
• Make sure your immunizations are current, such as pertussis to reduce your risk of getting Reference whooping cough Opens New Window. For more information, see the topic Reference Immunizations.

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