One in 10 Brits have deliberately coughed in someone’s face, new research reveals.

The research, commissioned by Comvita - the market leader in Mānuka Honey - surveyed 2,000 UK residents, also found that a quarter of us (25%) have admitted to not washing our hands after coughing, and almost one in five (19%) cough without covering our mouths.

As winter approaches and coughs are more likely to frequent our lives, the research also revealed the home remedies that Brits are using to help soothe their sore throats and cough symptoms.

A “hot toddy” topped the list. The hot water, honey, and whisky mix was popular with more than a quarter (28%) of respondents, who said they use this soothing drink to tackle the tickle.

Steam inhalation followed (23%), while a cup of ginger tea was third on the list with 18% opting for this remedy. Almost one in 10 (9%) admitted to eating raw garlic to curb their cough symptoms, while the same amount also admitted to eating chopped onions mixed with honey.

In terms of cough etiquette, the survey found that men were more au fait with addressing someone’s lack of decorum, with one in three (31%) saying they were at least somewhat comfortable in calling someone out for not covering their mouth while coughing. Less than a quarter (24%) of women surveyed felt the same.

Having a coughing fit at an inopportune moment is never ideal, but when it comes to the situation Brits most fear losing control in, nearly half (44%) of Brits feared having an uncontrollable coughing fit at a funeral. Interestingly, 27% of those aged between 16-24 were more fearful at the prospect of having a coughing fit during an interview.

Comvita offers a whole host of Winter Wellness products designed to help soothe the symptoms of cough and support our immunity during the colder months. Both its Mānuka Honey Elixir and Lozenges are made with certified UMFTM 10+ Mānuka Honey, which is renowned around the world for its beneficial properties. Both products are ideal for soothing throats, easing cough symptoms and supporting our immune systems at a time where coughs and colds run rampant.

Also included in the Winter Wellness range are Comvita’s Mānuka Pops, which are perfect for the kids and are fun, nutritious, and delicious. Comvita customers also choose a spoonful of UMF™15+ Mānuka Honey combined with hot water and lemon or by itself to help soothe the throat.

Grant Harrold, The Royal Butler and etiquette expert said:

“Sharing is caring, but certainly not in this instance. The statistics revealed about the public admitting to intentionally coughing in someone’s face are alarming and demonstrate a lack of cough etiquette.

“Nobody likes having a nasty cough, but there are steps we can all take to ensure it doesn’t impact the lives of others. When coughing, it is important to cough into a handkerchief or tissue and move away from those around you. Most importantly, wash your hands to help keep others safe from your germs.”

Dr. Jackie Evans, Chief Science Officer at Comvita said:

“As coughs and sore throats become more commonplace as the weather gets colder, many look for home remedies to help get themselves back on top form.

“Honey has been used as a medicine for centuries and modern scientific research confirms that traditional uses of honey are not just folklore. Honey is commonly used as a home remedy to relieve cough and cold symptoms and clinical trials have now confirmed that honey can effectively soothe the discomfort associated with coughs and sore throats, making it a great choice for those wanting to alleviate their symptoms at home.”

For more information on Comvita’s full range of Winter Wellness products, visit: https://www.comvita.co.uk/winter-essentials.

ENDS

For more information, get in touch with Cassie or Nathanial at comvita@gold79.co.uk or call 0113 243 1117.

Notes to Editors:

Methodology: 2,000 UK residents surveyed aged 16 + in September 2023. The survey asked questions to gather the thoughts, feelings, and habits the British public had about coughs. It asked the respondents questions about their hygiene around coughing, appropriate places to cough, and their home remedies.

Comvita is the pioneer and global market leader of the Mānuka Honey category. Manuka honey is harvested by Apis mellifera Honeybees from the nectar of the Mānuka tree found in New Zealand. It is well researched and is renowned for its soothing properties that can support general wellbeing.

Founded in 1974 by Claude Stratford and Alan Bougen with the intention of connecting people to nature and good health, today it continues that vision by facilitating research and selecting sources of natural ingredients, carefully tending and harvesting them to preserve their purity. It works closely with its bees and beekeepers to produce UMF® Mānuka Honey of the highest standard.

As leaders and experts in the industry, Comvita is committed to the long-term development of Mānuka and Bee products backed by unrivalled scientific knowhow. Comvita are the leaders in scientific research and evidence to support the authenticity, purity, potency and quality of Mānuka Honey, collaborating with world leading scientists and institutes to advance the science behind the natural ingredient.

All Comvita® UMF® Mānuka Honey is traceable to its source - from the hives of New Zealand to the shelf. The UMF™ trademark is a quality trademark that is internationally verified and recognised. It is backed by an industry quality standard, independent audits and a network of accredited laboratories around the world.

Committed to acting in a manner that preserves and improves quality of life and the environment for future generations, the Comvita Mānuka Forest project pledges to plant more trees to provide opportunities for Comvita to offset its carbon credits by reducing its overall carbon footprint. Its OneHive project strives to connect and empower likeminded people to share and contribute to Comvita’s passion for our natural environment, enabling them to come together and make real and lasting change. To date it has helped to plant over eight million trees, as well as donate funds to the fr¬¬ont lines of global crises.

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