Which means unlike the next George R. R. Martin book, we can expect the arrival of the usual winter bugs soon. Colder weather means people spend more time indoors around each other, making it easier for viruses to be spread about.

How can I avoid getting ill?

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You can reduce the likelihood of getting sick this winter by following a few tips:

• Wash your hands regularly
• If you need to cough or sneeze use a tissue
• Get plenty of sleep and rest throughout the week
• Monitor your alcohol intake
• Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and drink lots of water

Following these tips will help you keep your immune system in good shape and also reduce the spread of germs.

Should I get the flu vaccine?

Yes.

The flu vaccine is one of the best ways to prevent people catching and spreading the flu. People who are vulnerable to the flu will be able to get it through their GP, otherwise you can be vaccinated at many high street pharmacies for a small cost.

You can find out more about the flu vaccine on the NHS Inform website.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you do get sick this winter there are some simple tips you can follow to get better sooner and also prevent spreading the illness to other people:

• Get plenty of rest
• Drink lots of water
• Staff in Social Work should follow their Service guidance
• If you have a minor ailment but are well enough to work, consider working from home in order to prevent spreading it around the office.

Some tips for dealing with common winter illnesses can be found on the NHS website.