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Fortunately, there are some easy guidelines to follow to help prevent the flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. And if you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from becoming ill, too.
• Stay home when you are ill to prevent others from catching what you have.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Many germs are airborne.
• Wash your hands often to protect yourself from germs. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer frequently.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth, because those orifices are the primary entry ways for germs.
• When someone at home is sick, clean frequently touched surfaces with disinfectant.
• Maintain a regular health regimen: get enough restful sleep, exercise daily, manage your stress levels, drink lots of water and eat whole foods.

In addition to these common-sense guidelines, there are ways to boost your immunity, according to various medical authorities:

• Try probiotics. A 2011 meta-analysis of 10 studies showed that people taking probiotics were 42 percent less likely to get a cold than those on a placebo.
• Eat garlic. Garlic cloves contain allicin, about 5 to 9 mg per clove, but even two cloves per day may help prevent a cold, according to the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine.
• Add astragalus to your diet. In test-tube studies, the astragalus root activates T-cells, which are the white blood cells that fight off viruses. Medical experts believe it can also help prevent colds.
• Oregano is known to boost the immune system, according to Tieraona Low Dog, MD, author of Life is Your Best Medicine. She also recommends using turmeric and thyme in food for an immune boost.
• Loma Linda University conducted a study about sugar consumption, which showed that people who consumed six tablespoons of sugar (in orange juice or other sugary drinks) experienced depressed immune function. Their infection-fighting white blood cells lost the ability to fend off bacteria and viruses. So, avoid sugar.

• Those who are overweight are likely to become sicker when they catch the flu than those at a healthy weight. In addition, the flu vaccine doesn’t work as well on overweight people. Even a 5 to 10 percent weight loss can help prevent illness.
• Viruses on a toothbrush can contaminate others it touches. Make sure all family toothbrushes are kept apart and allow each to dry thoroughly.
• Take vitamin C. Studies throughout the decades continue to show that vitamin C does alleviate cold symptoms and can shorten the cycle.
• Eat mushrooms. Many types boost immunity, especially reishi and maitake, because they encourage immune cells to multiply.
• And, of course, take IMMUNE⁺⁺⁺. It’s a potent blend of T-cell, B-cell and Natural Killer Cell-boosting plants and mushrooms, along with Vitamin C powerhouses more powerful than those found on retail shelves.

Despite all precautions, you may still contract the flu, especially if your immune system is compromised. Antiviral drugs may help treat the flu but they are usually prescription medications that are not available over-the counter. Antiviral drugs are not antibiotics, which are only prescribed for bacterial infections.

Antiviral drugs may shorten the length of time you are sick and may also help to prevent more serious flu complications. Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best when started within two days of getting sick, but you should always follow your doctor’s instructions.

The best defense against cold and flu is prevention.

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