50 ways to BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY

Everyone around you coughing? Here's how to stay healthy so you dont derail your plans

It's that time of year. Adverts for balm-infused tissues, throat-soothing cough syrups and sprays to unblock a stuffy nose dominate the TV. We all know we should be washing our hands to help stop spreading cold and flu viruses, but with over 200 strains out there germs can still be hard to avoid. Want to stop getting the sniffles this season? Read on to discover what else you should try.

1 Feel the love Regular sex can protect against colds and flu, as those who make love once or twice a week make 30% more immunoglobulin A cells (viral antibodies) than those who don't, found scientists in the US. What better excuse to get between the sheets?

2 Gargle water

Do it three times a day and it could lower your risk of catching a cold by 36%*.

3 Have a cold shower

An icy blast may lead to fewer duvet days! Finishing your shower with 30-90 seconds of cold water could mean you'll be less absent from work, discovered researchers. "The shock stimulates leukocytes a type of blood cell that is part of the immune system - so you could find yourself fighting off the common cold more easily,' says Dr Rachel Taylor.

4 Cuddle up!

Stroking a dog could boost your immune system, found scientists in the US.

5 Watch the booze

It reduces the ability of white blood cells to kill germs, plus a binge session (just three 175ml glasses of wine) disrupts sleep, which will make you more susceptible to a new infection.

6 Keep calm

Under stress, your body can only deal with major emergencies, says nutritional therapist Alison Cullen. 'Colds become less of a priority, so your body shuts down the production of the antibodies that would fight them.' Try a free meditation session on YouTube. Those who regularly meditated had fewer colds, found a US study.

7 Beware of cash