It's that time of year again. No, I'm not talking about Valentine's Day. I'm referring to those coughs and sneezes that tend to pay an unwelcome visit during the winter period. It seems no matter how carefully you avoid contact with contagious sufferers, cold and flu viruses spread like wildfire. Despite copiously washing my hands with anti-bacterial hand wash every time I came close to even a remote opportunity of catching something, I still fell foul to that familiar tickle at the back of my throat which usually heralds the advent of a cold. I wasn't going to go down without a fight back against the virus though! I decided to give the Vicks First Defence I purchased sometime last winter, a well overdue test run.

** Cost and Availability **
It's quite difficult to avoid the huge displays of this product in any pharmacy or chemist at the moment. Added to that, Vicks had that rather annoying advert on our TV screens…you know, the one with the mother throwing the tantrum in the supermarket in impersonation of her son. Despite the dreadful "shoutiness" of that advert, it didn't quite put me off buying this product, though it did come pretty close….

** So how do you use it? **
Vicks First Defence is best and most effectively used within 24-36 hours of a virus first lurking in your vicinity. If you start to get those warning signals of a sore throat or one sneeze too many, it's time to reach for your bottle of Vicks First Defence. They also advise that it's best to carry on using the spray until at least two days after the symptoms have subsided.

I warn you now, it's really not a pleasant sensation, and the taste is revolting. It can sting a bit in your nostrils, and it tends to run back down your nose within seconds. It's perfectly normal to expect a little bit of initial smarting in your nostrils, and you will have an increase in nasal discharge, as the gel is interacting with any mucus present in your nostrils and flushing it out. It can make you sneeze sometimes too - but that's good too, as that's expelling all the nasty mucus. It can also make your eyes water a bit, so best to have a tissue to hand. When you swallow, the taste is rather unpleasant, sort of mildewy and old is the best way to describe it. I expected it to taste sort of medicinal but it really doesn't….it's really quite horrible…sort of how you would imagine a six week old dead badger would taste…if you'd ever partaken (which I haven't…). However, the taste and sensation really doesn't last all that long, so please don't let my description put you off.

Pictures of Vicks First Defence

Vicks First Defence

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** So….does it work? **
The 24 thousand dollar question…does it work? Well it certainly seemed to stop my tickly sore throat symptoms turning into anything nastier. The rest of my office are still coughing and sneezing and, strangely, I have managed to remain in a germ-free zone. I really couldn't honestly say whether this is down to First Defence though. It could be that I was not susceptible to that particular virus. Similarly, maybe my relatively healthy diet of lots of garlic, vitamins, fruit and vegetables worked in my favour this time around.

On the whole I'd definitely recommend this product. Yes, it's pricey, but if it manages to stop a cold in its tracks or reduces the severity of its symptoms, then you're quids in by not having to buy all those so-called cold remedies and cough mixtures. The expiry date on this product is a good few years hence, so it should see me through a couple more winters at least.

However, do please note that this product should be avoided if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Similarly, if you are prone to nose bleeds or have ear, nose or throat sensitivities, then it's best not to use First Defence. It's also not really suitable for children under the age of 12.

** Prices and Complimentary Products **

** My top five tips for avoiding a cold this winter **
To save anyone having to buy this stuff in the first place, the following are some tips on remaining a germ free zone in the winter period:-

[2] Avoid anyone who is coughing or sneezing (obviously), but if you do come into contact, try and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth without washing your hands thoroughly first.

[4] Drink plenty of fluids, as that will support and boost your immune system.