Such as family days out to the cinema, coffee dates with friends and dates night on Bold Street.

Therefore, it’s important to know what the most common type of bugs and viruses are along with the symptoms, prevention hints and treatment tips.

1.  Common Cold

2. Bronchitis

3. Norovirus

4. Influenza

5. Respiratory Viral Infections

Common Cold

Unfortunately, many of us will likely catch a cold several times throughout the year.

Its symptoms include nasal congestion, a sore throat, cough, headache, pressure in your ears or face and sometimes a fever, and usually begins with the spreading of germs via a cough, sneeze or contaminated surface.

Unfortunately, they can last anywhere from 3 to 5, to 10 days! And as it’s viral, antibiotics won’t work. Instead, treat it with some over-the-counter decongestant tablets and sprays and plenty of rest.

To find out more about at-home remedies to treat the common cold, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/common-cold/.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis likely stems from having a cold at first and it getting progressively worse, leading to a non-stop cough, wheezing and difficulty breathing. You may also have mucus build-up and watery eyes.

You should hopefully be back to feeling yourself again after two weeks, but the cough can last a little longer. Plus, if symptoms don’t subside, make sure you see a GP as it can develop into pneumonia.

Cough medicine, pain relief and even a humidifier can all help alleviate your symptoms!

Norovirus

Also known as the winter vomiting bug, norovirus is a highly contagious stomach bug.

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, a fever, aches and pains.

It usually lasts for a maximum of three days and can be spread by person-to-person contact or via contaminated foods. Therefore you should stay at home, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids until it passes.

Simple things to help prevent the spread between family members include washing your clothing and bedding separately on a hot wash, sanitising surfaces and washing your hands regularly.

Flu

Also known as influenza, new strands appear every year.

Sometimes mistaken for a cold, it usually comes on thick and fast with a high fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and pains, and sore throat.

It’s quite contagious and can last up to around 7-10 days, passed through coughs, sneezing and sometimes general conversation.

Depending on your overall health and factors such as age and weight, it can develop into pneumonia or bronchitis.

To treat it, make sure you get lots of rest and stock up on over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol, decongestions and cough medicine.

If you find yourself more susceptible to the flu, you should get an annual flu vaccine.

To find out more about symptoms and treatments for the flu, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/

Respiratory Viral Infections

This is another seasonal illness that can be mistaken for a common cold. However, it is a little more serious and includes infection in your sinuses, throat, airway or lungs. This leads to wheezing/whistle-like breathing, making breathing difficult.

Most pass within 1-2 weeks however it can be pretty dangerous for pregnant people, those over the age of 65 and infant children, and people with a weakened immune system.

An RTI can be treated at home unless it’s a bacterial infection. In that case, you may need to visit your GP to receive a course of antibiotics.

The simple ways to protect yourself from winter illnesses

The simple way to prevent the spread of these common winter illnesses is by washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, sanitising surfaces and keeping your distance from others if you feel unwell.

Don’t forget to bin used tissues and try to keep yourself and your home warm.

You can also get a flu jab and book your COVID-19 booster when called upon. You can also speak to your employer about working from home, if you feel well enough, to help prevent the spread.

Before you take any medication

Read dosage instructions before taking any medication and speak to a pharmacist if you need any advice.

Avoid giving children under 6 decongestants and children aged 6-12 shouldn’t take them for longer than five days.

Be careful not to mix cough and cold medicines with paracetamol or ibuprofen tablets as they may also contain these.

Some decongestants and tablets are not suitable for children, babies and pregnant women.

If symptoms do not improve after three weeks, you should see a GP.