Fish and chips to fight winter bugs

The research found that trypsin, a chemical in the fish, counteracts infection, decreases inflammation and stimulates the healing process, the Daily Express reported.

The "cold adapted" enzyme that functions effectively in the chilly ocean temperatures becomes "super-active" at 37 degree C when in contact with skin and mucous membranes.

The makers of a new spray, called ColdZyme, claim their invention can prevent and stop the common cold in its tracks after trials found that using the product six times a day for 11 days destroyed 99 per cent of the viral load in volunteers' noses and throats.

The spray creates a barrier, which traps viruses and prevents them from binding to cells, helping the body to remove them naturally.