Cut winter illness costs

MANY people dread catching a nasty winter bug as the weather gets colder, but as cupboards gets re-stocked with medicines and health supplements there may at least be some ways to keep your bank balance in better health.

Here are some tips from website TopCashback.co.uk:

■ Check the ingredients on the back of the branded products you want to buy as they are often the same as non-branded items, but with a bigger price-tag.

■ While serious illnesses need professional attention, if you’re just feeling a bit groggy, a home-made remedy from the kitchen cupboard such as honey and a lemon may be worth giving a go to see if they make you feel a bit better without even venturing out to a store.

■ As well as pharmacies and big supermarkets, there may be other places you could try for deals on medicines, such as discount stores.

■ You can put your feet up and shop online with stores such as Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy and health retailer Holland & Barrett - and if buying online, you may also be able to cut the cost by making use of cashback websites where you click through to the retailer.

■ Some people may find their employer has a medical benefit programme they can sign up for or may offer a free flu jab.

■ Many retailers may offer some form of discount or voucher code or loyalty points for shopping with them.

■ Plan ahead. Check the dates of any medicine that is on offer before you buy, as you could bulk buy if they have a long sell-by date.