Uh oh, cold and flu season is here! You may think you have the flu, but maybe you have a cold. The flu and a cold have similar symptoms, but there are many ways to avoid getting either.

1. Get vaccines from your doctor: Checking in with your doctor is always smart, whether you’re getting your physical or seeing your doctor because you are not feeling well. Your doctor usually prescribes you with whatever shot they think is necessary. October through May is a big time where doctors give out the flu shot. The flu is common around this time because it’s so contagious.

2. Keeping your hands clean: Washing your hands daily will help you stay safe from germs. Using hand sanitizer with an alcohol-base will also help keep you safe as well. Before eating a meal, it is important to wash your hands so that you don’t spread germs on your food. Washing your hands after caring for someone who is sick, before and after treating a cut or wound, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing is also a great way to prevent the spread of germs.

3. Cover your mouth while coughing/sneezing: When sneezing, it is important to cover your mouth and nose to prevent the spread of germs. Germs spread by droplets from when you cough, sneeze, or talk. Using a tissue while coughing or sneezing is a great way to capture the germs and then throw out the tissue.

4. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose: Avoid touching the areas in your face such as your eyes, mouth, and nose. Germs could spread to your face after you touch something contaminated with germs. This also affects the pathway to your throat and lungs.

5. Stay home when you feel sick: When you are sick, or feeling sick, it is best to stay home. Staying home while you are sick can help prevent spreading the virus/disease that you have to the people around you. Resting and recovering properly is also important for your own health. Staying home will also protect you from additional germs and prevent future sickness.

6. Take your vitamins: Having different vitamins can prevent you from getting sick. Eating foods that contain Vitamin C and D is important. Vitamin C can prevent the common cold. Other vitamins can help build a stronger immune system. Some foods that contain Vitamin C are broccoli, strawberries and oranges. Some foods that contain Vitamin D are tuna, fortified milk and cereals. Some foods that contain quercetin are red apples, broccoli and green tea can give you an immunity boost. Eating fruits and vegetables have great sources of vitamins that can help boost your immunity.

7. Have a healthy lifestyle: Exercising and having a healthy diet helps boost your immune system. Not only does exercising daily boost your immune system, but studies show moderate exercise can help reduce the number of colds you get in a year. Another way to boost your immune system is having a healthy diet. Eating foods that contain vitamins A, C, and D and essential nutrients is a great way to practice a healthy lifestyle. Eating unprocessed foods is a great way as well.

Overall, there are many ways to prevent getting sick and additional actions to help protect yourself and others from the flu or cold and the spread of germs.