Stop the SNIFFLES

Our health-boosting tips will help you avoid a virus this cold and flu season and beyond

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Feeling low? Runny nose? It's that time of year when many of us get struck down with a cold or flu. 'Generally, we don't get more viruses because we're exposed to colder temperatures, but because we spend more time indoors with people who pass on their germs,' says Dr Riccardo Di Cuffa (your-doctor.co.uk). Most winter bugs are a nuisance rather than dangerous, but they can make us feel dreadful. Here's how to fight them.

Immunity vs infection

'There are more than 200 cold viruses, and most of us will catch at least one or two colds every year, but rarely the same one twice,' says Dr Roger Henderson*. 'Once the cold ends, your body has built up immunity, which will protect you from catching the same virus again. The best defence against getting a cold is a healthy lifestyle. 'Avoid people who are unwell and take a vitamin C supplement,' adds Dr Henderson.

Are you contagious?

The risk of spreading germs makes a solid case for staying home when you have one. British workers feel that it is unacceptable to go into work if they have a cough or a cold.**

Cold and flu germs are passed on via contact with others. 'Reducing transmission of germs is the best way to prevent them entering our body, which result in catching a cold or the flu,' says GP Dr Angeli Kanungo. As sneeze droplets can stay in the air for up to 20 minutes and germs can live on hands for up to three hours, vigilant hygiene will prevent you catching or spreading illnesses.

Which cold do you have?

HEAD COLD

+ EXPECT A stuffed, runny nose and watery eyes.

+ CURE IT 'Try steaming your face when you first wake up and before you go to sleep. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids, says Kristoffer Ahlerup from ColdZyme.

CHESTY COLD