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:

1. 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.

2. While serious illnesses need professional attention, if you’re just feeling a bit groggy, a home-made remedysuch as honey and a lemon may be worth a try if they make you feel a bit better without even venturing out to a store.

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

4. 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.

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

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

7. 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.