Winter is fast approaching bringing with it an avalanche of cold and flu epidemics. Keeping yourself and those around you well can be a daunting task during cold and flu season. Below are some helpful tips for staying healthy.

• Keep the suds coming. Regularly washing your hands after using the restroom and before eating can greatly reduce your chances of getting the cold and flu bug. Therefore, wash your hands often and if you can’t get to a sink, keep alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy.
• Use your elbow, not your hands. If you have the sniffles or a cough, use the fold of your arm by your elbow to cover your mouth. By using your hands, you present the opportunity for germs to spread to others. Using a tissue is an even better option, but those aren’t always available.
• Relaxation is key. In order for your body to have a strong immune system, it requires a rejuvenation period. Set aside 30 minutes each day for pure relaxation to help increase interleukins, a leading responder to cold and flu viruses, in your bloodstream.
• Avoid touching your face. Cold and flu viruses gain access to your body through your eyes, mouth or nose.
• Lay off the alcohol. Alcohol consumption can weaken your immune system and leave you dehydrated. Because hydration and a strong immune system are essential to fighting off cold and flu viruses, it’s best to avoid alcohol during flu season.
• Be active. Aerobic style exercises help increase blood and oxygen flow and make you sweat, all of which increases natural virus-killing cells.

Using the above tips in combination with a healthy and balanced diet can help ward off the dreaded cold and flu viruses this flu season.