NHS workers hope residents will be bombarded by health advice this winter - instead of germs that spread cold and flu viruses.

South Central Strategic Health Authority has joined the Department of Health's Catch It, Bin It, Kill It campaign to reduce the spread of bugs which can be more common during the winter months.

Adverts are being posted on buses and trains, and in offices and shopping centres, reminding people to cover their noses and mouths with a tissue when they cough and sneeze. The posters also explain how throwing away used tissues and washing your hands as soon as you can are vital to prevent the spread of germs.

Most adults suffer two to five colds a year, while children have about four to eight.

In Oxfordshire, 91,000 people will get coughs and sneezes this year alone.

But despite this, research suggests people still do not understand how easily germs spread.

South Central public health director Prof John Newton said: "Following the simple rules of Catch It, Bin It, Kill It, could make a real difference to the spread of colds, flu and similar illnesses.

"Around 15 per cent of the population develop colds and flu each year with many millions of days lost from schools and work as a result.

"We should also remember that each year, around 12,000 people in the UK die from flu.

"We all have an important role in preventing ourselves, our families and others from spreading germs, which is why we're launching this important campaign to get everyone to practise good hygiene."

The fight against germs will continue in the New Year, with a Hanky Amnesty in supermarkets, where shoppers will be encouraged to trade in their old, unhygienic handkerchiefs in return for disposable tissues.