We are coming back into flu season as the days and nights get colder.

But what is the best way to avoid getting the sniffles this year? Simple: just avoid people.

That is the best advice GP Dr Sinead Beirne suggests.

"You avoid people in the office - if you see someone sneezing or coughing you just have to keep well over a metre's distance from them" she told Newstalk Breakfast.

"Even getting public transport...you just try and duck and dive - and if you're standing too close to somebody it's a bit of a problem if they sneeze on top of you".

But for those who still want to go out and face the world, you have options.

"Great idea to kind of clean your phone or clean your keypad with alcohol wipes or that before you start your day's work", Dr Beirne said.

"Washing your hands is the best - and if it's too inconvenient to do that, use the alcohol gel".

For those who have colds and flu, the best advice is not to go into work.

But if you must go in, "drink lots of fluids - drink lots of teas, waters...and take regular paracetamol every four hours" Dr Beirne said.

And what about the seasonal flu vaccine?

"Everybody should be getting a flu vaccine if you can afford it, because the government are simply not going to pay for us all to get flu vaccines".