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Keep healthy with diet, sleep and exercise, so you're in a better position to fight off illness. Don't obsess over cleanliness as exposure to dirt in moderation is a good thing, but basics like hand washing are important.

Washing hands frequently, keeping warm and hydrated

hygiene is a must, wash hands, remember to cover mouth when sneezing and coughing and make sure you are eating right if you are run down you are more likely to become ill.

Avoid changes in temperature - especially the transition from summer to autumn

Take Vitamin C every day

keep everywhere spotless with dettol. get rid of any lurking germs to help prevent getting cold and flu

If I am out and about, I will not touch door handles with bare hands, I use gloves or my coat sleeves! I try to avoid sitting right next to people on public transport, if I think they look full of cold or flu, the main thing, get your flu-jab, even if you have to pay, it's worth it, so many friends say to me "No fear, I'll not pay for that!". Silly mistake. Also try to eat as healthily as you can, a good diet goes a long way!

When I go out on a cold day I put my scarf around my face to keep warm and keep the nasties out, Happy Christmas everyone.

Well said Greyduster

I always carry a mini bottle of hand sanitiser with me to use when I've touched things like shopping trolleys and doors in shops, not sure if it works but I hardly ever get a cold!

I am appalled by the number of people who don't seem to carry anything as simple as a tissue that they can cough or sneeze into. I had to go into town on the tram yesterday for something I couldn't put off any longer, and there were passengers coughing and sneezing without a thought for anyone around them. I felt like walking up and down the aisle handing out tissues from the box I had in my bag and yelling "for God's sake use them!!"

I eat organic probiotic live yoghurt everyday with flaxseed. I also carry sanitiser when out when I have used public transport etc.

wash hands and a spoon full of honey

Vitamin C and echinacea tablets

Give in to it a little bit . Colds are an inevitable fact of life . Help yourself though . Some recent scientific research has shown that a high carrot intake won't stop you catching a cold but will ease the symptoms and make your recovery quicker . Its always afterwards that I feel worse so anything that I can do to help I will try . Luckily I love carrot juice.

Eat lots of clementines and satsumas. The good thing is that, at this time of year, they are abundant and really cheap!

Being sensible with the temperature and wrapping up even if you think you might not need it. Plenty of vitamins, fruit and veg to keep you tip top.

Garlic! When I'm around people with colds I try to add as much garlic to my food as possible. I'm sure it gives me bad garlic breath, but I very rarely catch a cold!

My son takes Immunace and claims that it really works for preventing colds and such. Keeping the home as germ free as possible, especially when little poorly ones are round is definitely recommended

Limit the time that your central heating is switched on

I make sure to get my flu jab each year but also eat well, sleep well and wrap up warm! I love being outdoors whatever the weather but make sure I dress for the climate. I don't think you can always avoid catching a cold but the stronger you keep yourself the easier they are to cope with and get over.

Vitamin D is a good supplement to take over the winter.

use gloves went out and about

I have a 'burner' with Eucalyptus oil. This provides an antiseptic environment. Especially useful with visitors who have coughs and colds.

Have early nights if you feel a cold coming on and avoid alcohol as this reduces you immune system. Eat lots of citrus fruits and drink lots of freshly squeezed orange juice to also built up your immune.