1 Take a cold shower

A daily dousing in cold water might not be particularly appealing during the winter months, but German scientists have proven that it can help kill viruses. The theory is that the shock stimulates the body into raising its core temperature, which destroys cold and flu viruses.

2 Gargle with water

Scientists in Japan believe that people who gargle with water several times a day are around 33% less likely to catch a cold. This is because the water carries germs away from the throat and mouth before they have time to spread. Doing it with beer isn’t as effective.

3 Have a massage

Indulging in a regular rub-down can boost your immune system by about 80%. A University of Miami study says that a massage helps ward off bugs by boosting your ‘natural killer cells’ and decreasing the stress hormone cortisol, which can dampen your immune system. Go to a registered professional rather than asking the missus, especially if she’s just had her nails done.

4 Keep your feet dry

Your mum was telling the truth when she said that you’d catch your death if you didn’t wear your wellies. Getting your feet wet can triple your risk of developing a cold say scientists in Wales (who should know). Apparently wet tootsies cause a drop in body temperature, which can kick-start viruses that may have been lying dormant for months.

5 Always have clean hands

Washing your hands is an effective way to limit the spread of the common cold, says a study in the British Medical Journal. It removes bugs from your hands and slows the spread of viruses. A two-second rinse under the tap doesn’t count. Use soap.

6 Take up tai chi

Couch potatoes have more colds than people who do tai chi, say US scientists. Tests found that doing this form of exercise three times a week for one month raised protection against colds by 50%.

7 Eat garlic

Adding crushed garlic to your food can reduce your risk of catching a cold by half, reckon UK scientists. It is rich in the amino acid allicin, which has antiviral properties, and can also boost the immune system by stimulating the activity of white blood cells.

8 Drink tea

Harvard scientists found that the blood cells in the immune systems of tea drinkers responded five times faster to germs than those of coffee drinkers. Tea stimulates the production of important antigens.