Cold Grip? Be prepared to take it easy

Try to eat as well as you can too, including lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. If you have a high temperature, especially if you have flu, it can make you sweat and lead to dehydration. So drink lots of fluids - at least two litres a day (around eight glasses).

In most cases you won't have to see your doctor. However, if your temperature is above 39^∘C or above 38^∘C for three days, if your mucus is green, dark yellow or brown (which may be a sign of a bacterial infection), or you experience chest pain and shortness of breath, call your doctor and ask if you should make an appointment. Your local pharmacist can also advise you if you're not sure what to do.

If you suffer from a chest condition such as asthma, emphysema or bronchitis, be extra careful if you catch a cold and see your doctor as soon as your symptoms start.

Be prepared

Stocking up on cold and flu remedies from your local pharmacy now may ensure you'll be able to soothe those unwelcome symptoms such as aches and pains, a high temperature, a runny or blocked-up nose, a sore throat and a cough as soon as possible if you do come down with a cold or flu bug.

Here's what to keep in your medicines cabinet - just in case you need them:

Combined cold and flu preparations: all-in-remedies that contain several ingredients to tackle all your symptoms are popular thanks to their ease of use. Ask your pharmacist to suggest a remedy that's best for you, and always mention if you're taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Painkillers: paracetamol and ibuprofen are ideal when you have a cold or flu as they help reduce a high temperature as well as ease aches and pains. However be very careful if you're already taking combined cold and flu preparations, as these usually contain paracetamol or ibuprofen too, which means you could easily take double the dose

Lozenges and throat sprays: Keeping your throat moist can help reduce soreness, so keep a supply of lozenges and pastilles handy. Many lozenges as well as sprays also have antibacterial, antifungal and anaesthetic agents, which fight bugs and numb the throat and tongue.

Decongestants: Nasal sprays contain ingredients called decongestants that help clear your nasal passages, allowing you to breathe more easily. However don't use nasal sprays for more than five to seven days, as they can cause rebound congestion – in other words, they can make the congestion worse than it was in the first place. Always ask your pharmacist for advice about decongestants, as many are not suitable for people with certain health conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and diabetes.