What's worse for catching a cold: a job where you're constantly out facing the elements or one where you can cosy up with a cup of tea at your desk? You'd be forgiven for assuming it's the former, but new research shows gardeners are among the least likely to be struck down with the sniffles.

A study published by mouth spray brand ColdZyme claims being out in the cold does not equal coming down with one. Gardeners are often in good shape, work alone and are always around plenty of fresh air.

Sebastian Johnson, Professor of Respiratory Medicine & Allergy at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, said: “Being in the cold does not mean that you will get a cold, it’s very much an old wives' tale.

“The only way people can catch the common cold is by inoculating themselves with the virus which they pick up from coming in contact with someone who has the cold virus and touching something that has the cold virus such as a bus handrail, and then not washing their hands before eating or touching their nose or mouth.”

That means it's no wonder commuters who use public transport are always frantically reaching for the hand sanitizer.

So if gardening is the best profession for keeping healthy, which are the worst? Well, NHS workers are the sickliest, taking an average 15 days off a year. No surprise really, when they likely spend most of their time in a doctor's office or hospital.

Train conductors are next with 12 sick days a year (thanks to all those sniffling commuters no doubt), followed by teachers and nursery school practitioners, who take on average eight days off.

“Teachers to young children are picking up toys and pencils at the end of the day that perhaps that child has put in their mouth, and this way are spreading their germs around the class room, " Professor Sebastian comments.

“Classrooms are not always well ventilated, and it becomes a domino effect, if one child in the class room has a cold, the chances are anyone else in that room will also come down with it.”

Teachers may also have more cover available than people in other professions.

Care home workers take on average six sick days, while people in an open plan office take roughly five.

Unfortunately, there's not a great deal you can do to avoid the common cold, aside from eating healthily, exercising and practising good hygiene.

Professor Sebastian recommends trying herbal remedy Echinacea as an additional precaution, or opting for ColdZyme, which can stop the cold developing.

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