NASAL GUARD COLD & FLU BLOCK TOPICAL GEL

3g, £11.99, nasalguard.co.uk CLAIM: A thick gel said to help reduce the likelihood of getting sick from colds and flu by blocking out airborne viruses, says the manufacturer.

It advises that it is best used in situations where you may be exposed to ‘contaminated air’ — such as crowded places, where viruses may easily spread. Reapply a thin layer around nose every four to six hours. EXPERT VERDICT: This is a drug-free gel that does not appear to have any sideeffects and which aims to immobilise airborne viruses so they do not get inhaled into the lungs.

But I am not aware of any good evidence that it actually reduces the risk of a cold. That said, it won’t do any harm — although it is pricey.

5/10