Most colds, flu and coughs can be managed using self-help measures and OTC products. Pharmacy teams play a vital role here both in advising on remedies and providing reassurance that while symptoms may be unpleasant, they generally improve within a week or two. The two mainstays of recovering from a cold or flu are not to push the body beyond what feels comfortable €“ in other words, rest if exhausted €“ and drink plenty of fluids to replenish the amount lost through a runny nose and sweating because of a fever.

Suffering a winter ailment can prompt smokers to consider quitting. Be prepared to raise the topic and discuss the support that is available, both in terms of smoking cessation services and nicotine replacement products. Supplements such as echinacea, vitamin C, zinc and garlic are often heralded as ways of preventing or shortening a cold, and can be taken to support the immune system.

It is impossible to completely stop someone with a cold or flu passing their infection on to somebody else. However, practising good hygiene measures can be effective at minimising the risk of infection.

These include frequent and thorough hand washing with hot water and soap, and not sharing personal objects. Hand sanitisers can be useful if soap and water is not readily available.

Most people who are eligible for an NHS flu vaccination will probably have had it done by now, but it is not too late for those who have not or who are willing to pay. Note that following a vaccination, it can take up to two weeks for an immune response to develop fully.