10 tips to help you beat the flu

1. Stay home and get plenty of rest

As soon as you start to experience symptoms of flu, it’s important you give your body the rest it deserves. So curl up on the sofa and watch some of your favourite films while you recover.

2. Treat the aches and pains

Try Care Maximum Strength Ibuprofen 400mg tablets (£1.29, available from pharmacies), which provide effective and strong pain relief for a number of symptoms.

3. Use a tissue

Professor Morice, head of cardiorespiratory studies at Hull York Medical School, said: ““Sneezing and coughing into a tissue isn’t only polite, but it also reduces the droplets surrounding the air and landing on surfaces, minimising the risk of infecting others.”

4. Lower your body temperature

The flu virus can cause your body temperature to rise to 380c and above, so keep yourself cool with Eau Thermale Avène Spring Water Spray (£6.50 for 150ml, available from Boots)

5. Drink plenty of fluids

Keep hydrated by sipping plenty of water and try a rehydration treatment such as Dioralyte (£3.86 for six sachets, available from pharmacies and supermarkets) as it works to promote the absorption of fluids and electrolytes - just what the body needs to rehydrate.

6. Use a cough suppressant to treat the cough

Professor Morice said: “A syrup is the most suitable basic formulation for coughs as it has a demulcent effect, working to coat the throat, reduce the irritation and soothe the cough reflex. Look for medicines with strong-flavours which work to counteract the irritation.” Try NEW Covonia Chesty Cough Sugar Free Syrup (£4.99, available from pharmacies and supermarkets).

7. Don’t take antibiotics

Antibiotics only work for bacterial infections and if taken carelessly can cause serious health problems.

8. Wash your hands

Viruses are spread 50-50 – that’s 50 per cent via a sneeze and 50 per cent via hand contact, so it is essential to maintain good hygiene by washing hands frequently when you are suffering with flu, especially before eating and preparing food. Try Cuticura’s Anti Bacterial Hand Wash (£2.49, available from Boots and independent pharmacies) which uses 3 hour technology to ensure hands stay clean and safe.

9. Take a hot, steamy shower

Use an invigorating body wash like Trilogy Botanical Body Wash (£16.50, available from Debenhams, John Lewis and trilogyproducts.com) to help reduce congestion and open up your airways.

10. Use a room humidifier

Use an HoMedics Ultrasonic Cool and Warm Humidifier (£129.99, available from Argos and Amazon) which works to kill germs and bacteria, providing the perfect humidity for an improved well-being.