As we return to the germ-infested Petri dishes that is our workplace and the daily grind, science has a handy tip that might help keep you healthy as all those around you fall ill.
As it turns out, your mum might have been right when she warned you to wrap up well, as it seems that scientific research from none other than the boffins at Yale University has shown that protecting your nose from the elements could be the key to avoiding the cold that takes everyone else down.
The findings of their study apparently "gave credence" to claims that you should wrap up and in particular wear a scarf, as covering your airways to keep them warmer can help to stop the virus from spreading. While many previous pieces of research have debated whether or not temperature actually played a role in people getting the common cold (despite the name), this latest one seems to show that it at least has some effect.
The study, which has been published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that cells from the inside of the airways of mice had a better immune response to the cold virus when kept at 37°C rather than lower temperatures such as 33°, which is more like what your nose would be at if not properly wrapped up and protected by a scarf. Of course, given the recent dose that's going around, this news may have come too late for some, but there's still a chance to save others from weeks of unpleasant nasal discharge and incessant coughing. Go and spread the word. Fly, you fools.
Via i100. Main pic via William Brawley/Flickr