To reduce your chances of getting the cough, you should:
? Avoid coming into contact with allergens or irritants
? Practice good hygiene to avoid getting the common cold or flu. For example, wash your hands with water and soap. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
? Take the medications you have been prescribed to treat/control the underlying medical condition that causes the cough
References
1. Tietze, Karen. APhA Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs: Chapter 12 Cough. 16th Edition, Washington DC: American Pharmacists Association, 2009.
2. Gelfand, Jonathan. Cough Medicine and Cough Syrups. September 25, 2009. Available at: http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/cough-syrup-cough-medicine. Accessed on October 31, 2011.
3. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. September 3, 2010. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cough/MY00108. Accessed on October 31, 2011.
4. Medline Plus. Cough. June 2011. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cough.html#cat1. Accessed on October 31, 2011.