Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
As I sit in this vast office under fluorescent lights, I can’t help but be distracted by the constant echoes of coughs, splutters and sniffs happening in every direction around me.
It’s a stark and confronting reminder that I am not doing anywhere near enough to ward off the lurking cold and flus that are synonymous with this time of year.
Worse yet, we operate on a hot desk system, so the keyboard I am tapping my fingertips all over right now could have been occupied by one of the coughers mere hours ago.
The thought inspired a mad dash to Boots on my lunch break to pick up some antibacterial wipes to swipe over any potentially germ-ridden surfaces, as well as some extra hand sanitiser.
But prevention methods don’t have to stop there.
There are many things you can pick up at your nearest pharmacy to ensure not only that you avoid picking up any nasty colds or flus but that you don’t pass anything on to others.
In this day and age, most of us navigate through life with our phones in our hands, picking them up dozens of times a day, meaning our devices are one of the most handled items in our arsenal.
Studies have shown that our devices can sometimes harbour more germs than the average toilet seat, as they are exposed to everything and anything we lay our hands on, so it’s a wonder why we don’t clean them often.
Screen cleaning wipes are the perfect solution to making sure you’re not carrying germs around with you on your phone
Apple and Google say their devices can be cleaned with 70 per cent isopropyl alcohol-based wipes without causing any damage, but there are screen wipes that also work to eliminate fingerprints and smudges.
According to the NHS, hand sanitiser is more effective than soap and water when it comes to hand hygiene, provided it is being applied to dry, clean skin.
The best in the business are formulas that have an alcohol concentration of at least 60 per cent, as it can kill 99.9 per cent of bacteria.
If you want something a little less harsh and pungent, try Haan’s uber-popular hand cleansers that come in a variety of pleasant scents – Bright Rose is my personal favourite.
If your commute to work involves public transport, getting yourself a pair of easily washable gloves can save your palms from germ-laden poles, handles and rails.
Better yet, a good pair of gloves, like these Heattech ones from Uniqlo, will keep your hands toasty and warm as well as clean.
If you are exposed to some unsavoury bacteria, it’s good to have your health in order so your body can ward off viruses and infection.
Staying hydrated is one of the simplest tricks to maintaining basic health, and forgetting to drink water is easy to do if it’s not always on hand.
Investing in a good water bottle, like this one from Stanley, will act as a good reminder to keep sipping – plus the more you drink, the lighter it will be in your bag.
Keeping your Vitamin C and D, and Zinc levels up is the key to boosting and maintaining a strong immune system.
Holland and Barrett have a huge range of vitamins and supplements for cold and immune support, while Wild Nutrition’s Food-Grown Immune Support will help fend off any nasty bugs that come your way.
I’ve compiled an extensive list of high-street buys to stock up on so you can relax knowing you’re protected from illnesses that could bring life to a halt.
