The sniffing. The coughing. The stuffy, runny nose. The aching eyes and the lethargy. Yep, we’ve all been there and we can all agree – Colds make you miserable. Although it can seem nearly impossible to avoid at least one cold during the winter season, that doesn’t mean you have to give up and accept it. There are a few simple tips everyone can follow to help keep the germs out, and the Christmas magic in. Here are just 4 of those tips.

Keep It Sanitary

Sanitizing gel or alcohol wipes can be a lifesaver when fighting cold and flu germs. You should use sanitizer every time you have to shake hands or touch something others have touched, such as a shopping cart or door handle. Clean hands are one of the most important ways to avoid cold and flu germs, so if you don’t have any sanitizer, wash your hands well several times a day. In addition, try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth during the day, as those are two major portals for germs to find a way into your body.

Take Your Supplements

Several vitamins and supplements have been clinically proven to help prevent or shorten the duration of colds and flu.

• Zinc—While taking zinc may not prevent you from getting a cold, taking it during a cold will shorten the duration.
• Garlic—Garlic is a strong antibiotic, antifungal and antiviral. Taking it daily can stop cold germs in their tracks and prevent and infection from growing. It’s all very good as shortening the duration of colds and flu.
• Immune Stimulating Herbs—Herbs such as echinacea, elderberry, Siberian ginseng and astragalus boost your immune system and help it fight off cold and flu germs.

Even if you’re skeptical about whether or not vitamins will actually help you get over a cold, there aren’t adverse effects to taking vitamins like there are for over the counter cold medications. What’s more, lots of vitamins now come in tasty gummy shapes, so taking them is sort of like eating more of your favorite Christmas candy!

Get Plenty of Sleep

A run down body is more susceptible to all types of pathogens, so making sure you get a good night’s sleep is an excellent way to stave off cold and flu germs. Shut off the television or computer at least an hour before bedtime, and do something relaxing, like meditation or reading. Having a fan running to keep the air circulating is also helpful in keeping germs away.

Stay Hydrated and Moisturized

A dehydrated body, especially your mouth and nasal passages, creates a perfect spot for germs to enter your body. Drinking plenty of water will help keep your system flushed out so germs don’t get a chance to settle in. Run a vaporizer by your bed at night to keep your nasal passages moisturized and unfriendly to cold and flu germs.

Keeping your body as healthy as possible is the best way to prevent colds and flu. It never hurts to take a few extra steps to ensure a cold-free winter season, but even if you’re as careful as possible you could still end up coming down with something. If you do find yourself with the season sniffles, it also won’t hurt to head to a care center like the Premier Urgent Care Centers of California, Inc. or a similar center. This will be cheaper than going to a hospital or regular doctor’s office, and still be effective.

If you keep these tips in mind you should be able to enjoy this Christmas season while operating at peak efficiency. Remember that the key to staying healthy in the winter is prevention. Flu shots, healthy eating, proper exercise, and a visit to the doctor if anything comes up are your best friends when it comes to beating the cold. Let us know if there are any other home remedies you’ve found that work well for you!