Adopt the French way
The evidence for hands as a major route for transmitting infection is so strong that scientists at the London School of Hygiene recommend greeting friends the French way, with a peck on the cheek rather than a handshake. Or improvise, according to the situation. The next time someone approaches you with palm outstretched, try an á¾¾air kiss᾿ or a manly hug instead.
Blast your sponges in the microwave
Keep your kitchen sponge or cloth germ-free by microwaving it on full power for 2 minutes daily. This kills 99 per cent of micro-organisms. WARNING: Do this only with a damp sponge or cloth – otherwise it's a fire risk.
Call a friend and walk
One study showed that post-menopausal women who took regular, moderate exercise – brisk walking for 45 minutes five times a week – had up to a three-fold reduction in the number of colds they suffered compared with women who didn't exercise.
Disinfect household surfaces regularly
Door handles, taps, television remote controls and refrigerator doors may all be repositories for germs; other culprits include telephones, computer keyboards, light switches, kitchen surfaces and cleaning cloths.
Eat well, exercise and sleep
A healthy diet – with a generous intake of fruit and vegetables – exercise and 7 hours of sleep daily, can make your body less vulnerable to germs.
Fight it with garlic
In a study involving 146 volunteers at the Garlic Centre in East Sussex, half were given a garlic supplement daily and the other half a placebo. During 90 days over the winter, those taking garlic had a total of 24 colds, compared with 65 among those on placebo. People taking garlic supplements who did catch a cold also had a shorter duration of symptoms and a lower risk of reinfection.
