WINTER HEALTH FEATURE - WINTER is just around the corner, which means coughs, colds and sneezes are on their way. Most of us will experience the runny nose, sore throat and shivers at some point over the next few months, so it's time to look out the Kleenex and stock up on the home-made soup.

The season of bugs and red noses will be here before you know it. Here is our guide to what symptoms to look out for this winter and some tips on how to stay well.

KEEPING KIDS HEALTHY

Young children get between eight and ten colds a year.

The worry for parents is knowing whether their child's runny nose is down to a simple cold or something more serious.

Celia Gardiner, children and family manager for the NHS, says: ''Prevention is always better than cure, so make sure your children eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, especially in winter.

''Coughs and colds are always common at this time of year, and your child is likely to have a blocked or runny nose, watery eyes and sore throat, and possibly a cough. As long as he or she is eating and breathing properly, it should clear up.

''It's important to watch out for fever and, if it doesn't go away with infant paracetamol, seek medical advice.''

Young babies, especially those under six months, are susceptible to whooping cough which starts with a short, dry cough, runny nose and slight fever.

After 10 days, symptoms are long bouts of dry coughing followed by a sharp intake of breath, which creates the ''whoop'' sound.

Children may also be affected by croup, which is characterised by a loud cough, and fast or difficult breathing. It is more common as the weather gets damp and in severe cases, the tongue, lips or face may have a blue tinge.

Bronchiolitis, an acute viral infection of the lungs, usually affects children under 12 months.

Initially, the symptoms will be similar to those of a cold. But after two or three days, a dry rasping cough and wheezing may develop, and breathing will be a struggle.

Celia adds: ''If you are at all concerned, contact your GP, call the NHS 24 helpline or speak to your pharmacist.''

Most coughs and sore throats and all colds are viral infections. Antibiotics will not help.

COLDS

There are more than 200 known viruses which can cause the common cold, so it is little wonder each adult averages two to five colds per year!

The viruses responsible for colds are spread from person to person via droplets in the air that travel through sneezing and coughing.

Despite the frequency of colds, there are still many myths surrounding them, such as the favourite one that going outside with wet hair will make you ill. Although it might give you the shivers, it won't cause a cold.

Some scientists believe that the weather has little direct effect on causing colds and flu.

Incidences do rise during the colder months, but many think this is due to people staying indoors in a dry, heated atmosphere helping to spread the viruses.

A new theory suggests that our noses are colder in the winter than summer and that lowers resistance to infection.

If the weather is freezing outside we wrap up in winter clothes but leave our nose exposed to the freezing air.

Every time we breathe in we cool the nasal lining and weaken our defences against infection.

According to a recent survey, 50% of adults still think colds can be treated with antibiotics.

In May 2004, The British Medical Journal published details of a trial that highlighted that antibiotics are not always the best way of curing illnesses. Antibiotics do not work on the cold virus.

FLU

Scotland is bracing itself for its worst flu epidemic in 20 years, and for the first time, under 65s - particularly those suffering from asthma and heart problems - are being advised to have injections.

Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory infection, caused by a variety of ever-changing viruses.

The most familiar aspect of the flu is the way it can knock you off your feet as it sweeps through entire communities.

There are three main types of flu - A, B and C. Type A is the most serious, causing epidemics such as the 1918 Spanish flu which caused the deaths of 20 million people worldwide.

In 1997, 18 people in Hong Kong became ill and six later died from a new flu virus.

Common symptoms of the flu include headache, chills, a dry cough, aches and fever and a sore throat. Most people who get the flu get better within a week (though they may have a lingering cough and tire easily for a while longer).

For the elderly, babies and people with certain chronic illnesses, flu and its complications can be life-threatening.

You can get the flu if someone around you who has the flu coughs or sneezes, or simply by touching a surface such as a telephone or door knob.

One highly infectious virus causes 'winter vomiting disease' which rapidly spreads through schools and offices causing fever, sickness and diarrhoea.

It usually lasts for 24 to 48 hours but is infectious for two days after symptoms stop.

Good hygiene such as proper handwashing is very important, particularly after going to the toilet or before handling food.

If you have the flu, stay at home and keep warm, drink plenty of fluids and don't go back to work or school too soon, or you will only spread your virus to others. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.

CHILBLAINS

Chilblains are small, itchy, red swellings on the skin on the foot, which can become increasingly painful and dry out leaving cracks in the skin bring the risk of infection.

They are caused by the skin's abnormal reaction to cold, and damp or draughty conditions are contributory factors.

If the skin is chilled, and then warmed too rapidly, next to a fire or hot water bottle for example, chilblains may result. Dietary factors and hormonal imbalance also play a part.

They affect mainly young adults, especially females, who might also show signs of being anxious or withdrawn.

Elderly people, whose circulation is less efficient than it used to be, people who don't take enough exercise, and those suffering from anaemia, are also susceptible to chilblains.

There has been an upsurge in chilblains recently, which may have something to do with changes in our diet and with fashion trends.

To help prevent them, keep your feet and legs warm, especially if your circulation is poor or your mobility limited.

If chilblains develop, don't scratch them; soothing lotions such as witch hazel or calamine will take away most of the discomfort. If you have any worries, consult your GP.

WINTER AND THE ELDERLY

Senior citizens who are ill, have poor circulation, or who take medications that can interfere with the body's ability to regulate its temperature, are at high risk for hypothermia, which occurs when the body temperature drops below 96F.

Hypothermia is a dangerous condition which may be caused by short exposure to extreme cold or prolonged exposure to mild cold. Unless treated quickly, it can be fatal.

If you have an elderly neighbour or relative, look out for them in the winter months.

If the curtains aren't opened during the day, or there are no lights on in the evening, there may be something wrong.

Knock on the door and if there's no answer, contact anyone who may have a key.

If there are grounds for serious concern, call the emergency services.

FIGHTING CHANCE - GET FIT

Exercise boosts your immune system, so the fitter you are the less chance you have of getting a bug. If you do get one, you will get rid of it faster.

FIGHTING CHANCE - TRY NATURAL REMEDIES

David Roser of the Garlic Research Bureau says: ''Antimicrobial plants such as garlic act on bacteria and some viruses and has been shown to be useful in treating the systems of the common cold.'' Try Hofels One-A-Day Garlic, from (pounds) 2.69 at some Boots, supermarkets, health food shops and chemists.

Dr Mark Atkinson, holistic medical physician and consultant in clinical nutrition says: ''I recommend astralagus, an immune system-boosting herb and the antioxidant Vitamin C.''

FIGHTING CHANCE - WASH YOUR HANDS

Virus particles from coughs and sneezes survive for hours outside the body.

FIGHTING CHANCE - EAT WELL AND DRINK PLENTY

Eat plenty of fruit and veg, and foods rich in vitamin C, as they will help reduce the length of your colds. Drink two litres of water a day.

FIGHTING CHANCE - STAY WARM

But make sure you get fresh air. Wrap up when outside - if you shiver, your body uses energy trying to stay warm, making you more susceptible to bugs.

Inside, keep the air circulating by opening windows. Bugs breed in warm, stuffy houses.