COLD sufferers in Greater Manchester are still using their favourite home remedies to maintain good health during the flu season.

According to a survey, the most used common home remedy - cited by more than half of respondents (56 per cent) - is honey and lemon in hot water.

Eating vitamin-rich citrus fruits, such as grapefruit and oranges, is favoured by more than four out of 10 (41 per cent) people. Steaming the head over a bowl of hot water is used by 35 per cent, garlic by 27 per cent and chicken soup by 24 per cent.

But the best ways to keep colds and flu at bay are:

Clean your hands - do not put your hands in your eyes or to your nose without washing them with soap and water first

Stock up on citrus - just half a grapefruit contains 110 per cent of the suggested daily Vitamin C requirement for adults;

Get plenty of sleep - studies have demonstrated that people who are consistently deprived of sleep have impaired immune function;

Keep warm - avoid sudden temperature changes such as leaving a warm home or office for the cold outdoors

Consume plenty of Vitamin C - orange juice and grapefruit juice, are also good sources.