Get a head start
 
There’s no need to hibernate this winter – you can enjoy the first frost knowing that you’re prepared even before the first signs of cold and flu arrive. Boots Pharmaceuticals Anti-Viral Hand Foam (200ml, £5.19) kills 99.9% of a wide range of viruses and harmful bacteria, is active for up to six hours and is alcohol free – so it won’t dry out your hands.
 
Boots pharmacist Angela Chalmers says: “It is frequent that we see an increase in common viruses during the winter months. Good hygiene is key if people want to reduce their chances of catching the virus. To help keep healthy this winter, wash hands frequently throughout the day with an anti-viral wash and carry a hand sanitiser that contains anti-viral or anti-bacterial ingredients (these should not be used to replace hand washing entirely, but can be conveniently used when on-the-go¹). If someone close to you falls ill with a bug, use bleach-based cleaning products to disinfect all communal surfaces such as bathrooms and kitchens[1]”
 
If you want to help protect yourself against flu this winter, the Boots Winter Flu Jab Service is here to help. Even if you had a flu vaccination last year, you may consider having it again this year to protect yourself against the viruses responsible for causing most cases of flu, including the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. To find out if the service is suitable for you or to arrange an appointment simply visit your local participating Boots pharmacy. More than 550 Boots pharmacies offer the Boots Winter Flu Jab, and many people should only be a 30 minute drive from a Boots pharmacy offering the service. The Winter Flu Jab Service costs £12.99 and to find your nearest participating store visit boots.com.

If seasonal sniffles are looming in your office or in your child’s school or nursery, then you may wish to consider NEW Boots Pharmaceuticals Cold & Flu Defence Nasal Spray (£6.95). This is an easy to use nasal spray with antiviral properties clinically proven to defend against cold and flu. This spray also helps to shorten the duration and severity of both colds and flu, and is suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding and for children from one year. Available from September 2013.
 
To help protect children under one year old, you may want to consider Boots Pharmaceuticals Children's Cold Defence Nasal Spray (20ml, £6.25). The smaller nozzle makes it suitable for use in children from six months old and is clinically proven in children to help prevent colds.
 
A helping hand

You may also want to try the easy-to-use Boots Pharmaceuticals Avert Electronic Cold Sore Machine (£35.99), which works faster than cold sore creams to treat the area quickly and cleanly and helps to speed up the time it takes to heal.
 
For pesky mouth ulcers, consider Boots Pharmaceuticals Fast Relief Mouth Ulcer Gel (£5.69) for instant pain relief. This has an easy, no-sting gel applicator and forms a protective barrier to help speed healing.
 
If you have dry eyes you may wish to consider Boots Pharmaceuticals Dry Eyes Vitamin A+E Eye Drops (15ml, £4.19). These drops can help to enhance the eyes’ natural protection and promote the healing process. It comes in a handy size, ideal for keeping with you when you’re on the go with the family.
 
Extra family support
 
The Boots Pharmaceuticals Easy Breathing Steam Inhaler (£6.25) is a drug free way to help aid clear and easy breathing. It is suitable to use for adults and children from 3 years old and can be a relaxing way to help relieve symptoms. Available from September 2013.
 
If you’ve got a little one, the Boots Pharmaceuticals Non-Contact Thermometer (£39.99) is a great gadget for mum and dad as it reads body temperature 5cm from the forehead and gives an instant reading at the click of a button, so there is no need to wake your sleeping baby.