Eleven tips and tricks to stop a cold or flu virus in its tracks (PHOTOS)

Flu season is upon us, with temperatures plummeting and the deadly Australian flu spreading, now is the time to really focus on staying healthy.

The H3N2 strain, dubbed the 'Aussie flu', is responsible for hundreds of deaths in Australia and has affected as many as 170,000 people.

A number of people have already died in Ireland and Public Health England say a growing amount of cases have been reported by hospitals and health professionals.

Patients are warned of a "winter of misery" as the effects of the flu outbreak alongside chilly weather conditions, are expected over the coming weeks. 

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When catching a cold, Brits should expect to be ill for at least one to three weeks.

Whether with the flu, symptoms start within a few days of being infected. However the recovery process should only take about a week, although the feeling of tiredness usually lasts for much longer. 

There's no cure for the common cold or flu, and getting sick is unavoidable sometimes, but there are several precautions that can potentially stop a cold or flu virus as soon as you feel it coming on.

To find out what remedies can be taken for a speedy recovery, as well as what's effective - and what's not - click through the images below. 

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