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Whenever a cough starts moving through my home, I pay attention early. I listen for the difference between an occasional cough and one that is getting deeper. I watch whether the person is drinking enough, sleeping, breathing comfortably, and acting like themselves. Then I reach for a few simple things that families have used for generations: warm steam, honey, thyme, ginger, saline, and plenty of fluids. I also keep the room free of smoke. Old remedies can bring real comfort, but they need to be used carefully. Boiling water can burn. Strong oils can irritate the lungs. Smoke can make…