Today is September the sick - the day we're most likely to fall ill

Figures show we fall victim to bugs such as the common cold and conjunctivitis on the sickest day of the year thanks to the start of school after the summer and colder weather.

In their first two days back at school children often pick up germs and infections, which they pass on to their parents, according to the chemist chain, Lloydspharmacy.

The adults spread them on public transport and at work.

The firm found the day when we are most likely to succumb falls 48 hours after children return to school in the autumn - today for many this year.

Sales of medicine for colds, flu, diarrhoea, stomach ache and head lice all increase.

Lloydspharmacy head of medicines Chris Frost said: "Children at nursery school and in the first few weeks of normal school are often exposed to a wide range of viral and bacterial infections.

"This almost certainly has a beneficial long-term effect on their immune systems which begin working efficiently at an early age and so a long-lasting immunity to colds can be built up.

"When kids first go back into the fray of the classroom, germs spread like wildfire".

Shropshire-based GP Dr Roger Henderson said parents were particular anxious over children picking up bugs during their first few days at school.

He said: ""This is quite normal, and actually encourages their immune systems to work hard and build up their body's defences for the future." Tips to help deal with the prospect of September Sick-th include using tissues and not hankerchiefs to wipe runny noses and dispose of each tissue immediately after use.

Children should also be taught to cover their faces when coughing or sneezing and to wash their hands after every playtime and before meals.

Kids should also drink plenty of water and tell parents as soon as they get a sore throat because it can help to treat it early. Water containing a spoonful or too of cider vinegar can be soothing.