Deals of the week: Cheapest cold and flu medicine, plus top tips to beat coughs and colds

With this dreary weather, we’re all spending more time indoors, where viruses spread more easily. Add in cold, dry air, which can weaken your resistance, and it’s no surprise we’re more likely to pick up a sniffle at this time of year.

If you’re already feeling under the weather, or just want to stock up so you’re prepared, here’s where you can grab the cheapest cough, cold and flu remedies. Plus, we’ve listed simple tips to help you avoid getting a pesky winter cold in the first place.

Cold & flu capsules – £1.09 at Savers

You can pick up 16 Galpharm day and night max strength capsules for just £1.09 at Savers, that’s only 7p per capsule.

If you like to keep a small medicine stash at home so you’re not rushing out when you feel rough, this is a great low-cost option.

Blocked nose & sinus relief – £1 at B&M

Struggling with a blocked nose isn’t much fun. Head to B&M where you can grab a 16-pack of Otricaps blocked nose and sinusitis relief capsules for £1, down from £2.75. That’s 63% off.

Perfect if you’re dealing with sinus pressure and just want to breathe properly again.

3 for 2 on cold & flu range – Lloyds Pharmacy

You can get three items for the price of two across the cough, cold and flu range at Lloyds Pharmacy. That includes big-name treatments like:

• Beechams all-in-one liquid
• Benylin chesty cough remedies

If you’re buying for the whole family, or stocking up for the rest of winter and spring, this could see you make savings.

Save on Nurofen - members deal at Superdrug

If you’re a Superdrug member, you can get £1 off Nurofen cold and flu pain relief 16 tablets, making it £4.50, that’s 28p per tablet.

If you’re not a member, you’ll pay £5.50, 34p per tablet, so it’s worth signing up if you shop there regularly.

Covonia all-in-one – £5 at Morrisons

At Morrisons, you can pick up Covonia all-in-one chesty cough, cold and flu relief 160ml for £5, down from £7.

It targets five symptoms at once, so if you’re dealing with coughs, aches, congestion and more, this might be the one to reach for.

Top tips to stave off coughs and colds

Of course, prevention is better than cure and we can do more than we think to protect ourselves.

Here’s how you can lower your chances of catching something:

1. Wash your hands properly

You should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after being out in public, using public transport, or touching shared surfaces.

2. Keep hand sanitiser with you

When you can’t get to a sink, you can use hand sanitiser. Keep a small bottle in your bag or car so you’re never caught out.

3. Move your body

When you exercise regularly, you support your immune system. You don’t have to run marathons, even brisk walks a few times a week can help you stay stronger through winter.

4. Boost your vitamins

You can support your immune system by eating foods rich in vitamin C, like oranges and other citrus fruits.

You may also want to consider a Vitamin D supplement, especially between October and April when the sun isn’t strong enough for your body to make enough naturally.

5. Keep vaccinations up to date

You protect yourself and others  when you keep up to date with flu and Covid-19 vaccinations. If you’re eligible, it’s one of the simplest ways you can reduce your risk of illness.

6. Rest and manage stress

When you’re run down or stressed, your immune system doesn’t work as well. If you prioritise sleep, take breaks, and give yourself time to recharge, you give your body a better chance of fighting off infections.