How to Prepare for Cold and Flu Season

After the swine flu scare last spring, health experts everywhere are working hard on vaccines and trying to make decisions about what we should do to be ready if the epidemic flares up again. However, just because they're undecided doesn't mean that you have to be. Here are some things you can do to boost your immune system and hopefully avoid the worst of the cold season.

Wash your hands. It's tried, it's true, and it's still the most effective way to stay healthy. Wash your hands often and thoroughly, and whenever you can, use alcohol-based foams or gels. If you know you won't be able to wash your hands for awhile, carry hand sanitizer with you.

Stock your medicine cabinet. Make sure that you have the medicine you need to get through cold season, from vitamin C supplements to Theraflu. During the initial swine flu scare, Purell and face masks were often sold out, so consider having a bottle of the first and a box of the second on hand as part of your family's emergency kit. Even if you're being too cautious, you'll feel better than you would if you found out you hadn't been cautious enough.

Eat healthy foods, especially fruits and vegetables. They are still one of the best ways to fill your body with vitamins and to rid your body of toxins. As cold season approaches, you may want to add a multi-vitamin to your diet in order to ensure that you're getting everything you need. At the same time, cut down on unhealthy foods. Chocolate actually weakens your immune system (even if it's good for the soul).

Sleep! When you don't sleep enough, your immune system is much weaker and can't fight off whatever germs you come in contact with. Whenever you can, avoid the late nights out. Your immune system will keep up its nightly repair jobs while you sleep, and you will get all of the benefits.

Keep your house clean. Wash your sheets, clean the counters and doorknobs periodically, dust your house regularly. You'll be carrying around plenty of germs, but you don't need to give them any extra help by letting them linger.

A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping you healthy as the cold weather sets in - and there's no time like the present for making preparations.