Overview
- Dr Oscar Duke told BBC Morning Live there is no cure for the common cold because the viruses evolve and mutate.
- He cited NICE guidance showing honey can modestly ease acute cough symptoms, though it does not cure a cold.
- The segment dismissed garlic as an effective remedy and warned against unsafe practices such as putting garlic in the ear.
- Using yes/no paddles, he rejected the ‘hanging onions’ practice as a historical myth with no preventive benefit.
- Duke said cold viruses spread mainly through the air and close contact, with poorly ventilated indoor settings in colder weather driving higher transmission.