THERE'S a good chance that right now, somewhere near you, someone is soldiering on with a cold unaware of the risk they pose to your health, well-being and seasonal sanity.

The season of goodwill and merrriment is almost here, but so too lurks the misery of battling a never-ending cold and annoying chesty cough - not to mention the endless sneezing and disrupted sleep.

Every year, adults typically catch two to five viral infections, while children may have between six and 10 colds.

But did you know that one of the most common ways of catching the cold can be avoided?

Putting your hands on shop counters and bus or train handle bars could be the first step to an unwanted cold or flu, according to Boots pharmacy.

There are reports of a 'super contagious cold' sweeping across the UK, but so far, no reports in Scotland.

Here are our top ten tips to avoid the cold:

1. Get more sleep

Glasgow Times:

Sleep gives your body a chance to settle down and reboot, so if you start to feel the symptoms of a cold coming on - head to bed an hour earlier. You'll feel better in the morning. Guaranteed. 

2. Every time you shake someone's hand, wash yours

Glasgow Times:
Wash them as much as possible and run lots of water over your hands for at least 20 seconds to dilute any germs and send them down the drain.

3. Keep your hands off your face

Glasgow Times:
Touching your nose, eyes and mouth is one of the most common places for germs to attack. Always make sure your hands are clean before touching any part of your face. 

4. Get the flu jab

Glasgow Times:
The flu jab is available free from your GP and payable at most Boots pharmacies. The current flu jab offers protection against four strains of the virus. 

5. Build up defences with healthy food

Glasgow Times:
You may think it's hard to eat healthy on a regular basis, but eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables supports your immune system.

6. Stay away from anyone with a cold 

Glasgow Times:
Keep your distance from people displaying symptoms like sneezing and coughing. While that strategy may seem obvious, it applies to more than just strangers and colleagues. Stay away from sick friends and family when possible too.

7. Sanitise yourself
Keep sanitising gel or alcohol-based hand wipes on you at all times. But read the label before you buy - some wipes are not alcohol-based and won't be as effective.

8. Another reason to quit

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Smoking increases the risk of infections by making structural changes in the respiratory tract and decreasing immune response. Smoking destroys the little hairlike fibers inside our noses, this can help increase infection risks.

9. Don't hold handle bars on public transport  

Glasgow Times:

Travelling by public transport is a necessary evil for most of us, but try to avoid holding on to the hanging straps or handle bars when getting on or off as they are a breeding ground for germs. Next time you're on a train, subway or bus, watch as people get on or off and see how much of a vice-like grip they have of the railing. It'll definitely make you more conscious of where you put your hands.

10. Don't lean on shop counters

Glasgow Times:

Whether it's at the supermarket, the fashion store or the coffee shop - don't put your hands on the counter. While these surfaces may be cleaned regularly, they offer germs a place to breed and spread. 

One of the best ways to avoid colds in any season is to stay warm, so get those extra layers looked out and treat yourself to a new scarf...winter is coming.