When blocked noses, coughs and shivers take hold, our winter health essentials can help you soothe the symptoms

With winter just around the corner, coughs, colds and all things sniffly are on the rise. That's right, ladies and gentlemen - take cover. The germs are coming.Now is a good time to get a flu jab at your local Asda Pharmacy. All Asda Pharmacies in England and Wales offer the free, NHS-funded flu jab* and, if you're not eligible, the service is available privately, for £7.Asda Pharmacies are open in the evenings and weekends so you can book your jab at a time to suit you.<img alt="coughs-and-colds__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/coughs-and-colds__square_GL?scl=1">If you live in England or Wales, you may be eligible for a free NHS flu jab* if you are…<ul><li>Aged 65 or over</li><li>Pregnant</li><li>A carer</li><li>Suffering from certain medical conditions**  </li></ul>Here are some other top tips to help you avoid catching the lurgy (or the lurgy catching you…) this month.Wash your hands at regular intervalsKeep germs, bacteria and viruses at bay by washing your hands at regular intervals throughout the day. And we don't just mean after using the loo - give those hands a good scrub with soap before and after eating, before and after leaving the house or going outside, and after touching other people.Use hand sanitiser when on the moveNot going to make it to a sink to wash your hands properly for a while? Combat germs on the move using an <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/cleaning-sterilsers/milton-antibacterial-hand-gel/22919401" target="_blank">alcohol-based hand sanitiser gel</a>. This handy purchase will help you protect your family against germs on days out, on public transport, and any other time washing your hands in a sink isn't a possibility.Quit smokingIf you needed another reason to give it up, smoking cigarettes affects your throat's ability to fight off bugs. Give up smoking and boost your chances of fighting off that cold or sore throat this winter.Don't bite your nailsEven when they look clean, your hands are riddled with bacteria and germs. Especially under the nails, where it's hard to deep-clean when washing your hands. Biting your nails instantly transfers dirt under the fingernails into your gob. We know - gross!<img alt="coughs_and_colds_little_boy__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/coughs_and_colds_little_boy__square_GL?scl=1">Sneeze into tissues or your elbow - not your handsIt makes sense - sneezing into your hands means the germs will live on your hands, potentially making their way into your mouth or eyes when you touch your face throughout the day. Instead, make sure to always have <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/pocket-tissues/asda-shades-ultrasoft-pocket-tissues/910001817455" target="_blank">a pack of tissues</a> on hand to catch those sneezes. Once a tissue is used, resist the urge to save it again for another time and bin it. Once a tissue's been used, it's full of germs, making them a breeding ground for nasty bacteria and viruses.Stay away from ill peopleIt might seem obvious (and a little bit rude…) but the more time you spend around people who have already caught the lurgy, you're more likely to catch the lurgy yourself.Get lots of sleepA proper kip will help to boost your immune system and fight off germs. When you're already tired, your body is less resistant to airborne bacteria and viruses, so make sure you're getting plenty of early nights when the news spreads round the office that there's a cold making the rounds.*Ask an Asda Pharmacist to confirm is you are eligible for a free flu jab funded by the NHS. NHS-funded flu jabs are only available in England and Wales.**Qualifying conditions include asthma and COPD, kidney disease, neurological disease, heart disease, liver disease and diabetes.Get set for winter - the flu jab is available in Asda Pharmacies now. Find one near you <a href="https://storelocator.asda.com/#!/" target="_blank">using our store locator.</a>

How to prevent getting a cold this winter

By ASDA Admin,18th October 2017

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