There are vaccines for illnesses like flu and Covid-19, which can have more serious complications in the winter. If you want the best chance of avoiding catching the flu or Covid-19, book a vaccine at one of our pharmacies today.

The flu and Covid-19 vaccines aren’t suitable for everyone, so you’ll need to answer a few questions to make sure it’s right for you.

Trying to stay fit and healthy can also help prevent you from getting seasonal illnesses or make any seasonal illness you do catch less severe. There’s no way to avoid seasonal illnesses completely, but you can make sure you’re in the best position to fight them.

You can lower your chances of catching or spreading contagious illnesses by making sure you practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly, catch any sneezes in a tissue and throw the tissues away.

If you’re around someone who’s unwell, try not to share household items like towels, cups and water bottles with them.

If you’re unwell with a bug, stay at home until you’re feeling better where possible.

You can buy medicines for cold and flu from a pharmacist. Painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol can help ease pain and bring down inflammation. Decongestants can help clear your sinuses so you can breathe easier.

If you have a sore throat or cough, you can try cough medicine, lozenges or gargling salt water. Explore our full range here"

It’s also important to make sure you drink lots of water and get lots of rest until you feel better.

Keep rooms that you use regularly heated to at least 18°C and check the weather forecast before you go out so you can wear the right clothing and footwear. If you only need to heat a small area, space heaters may be cheaper than turning on the heating.

Make sure you wear several thinner layers rather than one thick one, including at bedtime. If you need extra warmth, an electric blanket can keep you cosy for less.

Try to eat at least one hot meal a day to help keep you warm and eat lots of fruits and vegetables.

Fruit and vegetables have lots of minerals and vitamins that help keep you healthy. If you’re struggling to get all the vitamins you need from a healthy diet, try our range of vitamin supplements.

If you’re worried you have a vitamin deficiency, talk to your GP or pharmacist for advice.

Some people find their mood is lower in the winter months. This may in part be because there is less light during the day.

If your mood is very low or it’s making it hard to manage daily life, talk to your GP. Some people experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that affects people mainly during certain times of the year.

You can use a SAD lamp to get more light during the day, which may help boost your mood. Many people get the best results from sitting in front of it for thirty minutes to an hour each morning. You should also try to talk to family and friends, eat well and get some regular exercise.

Many pharmacies are shut over the festive period, so it’s important to order any prescriptions you need at least 7-10 days before you run out.

If you’re avoiding bad weather or you’re stuck at home with a bug, you can sign up for our free prescription delivery service. Just order your medicines online or through our app and we’ll deliver straight to your door.