The key to getting through cold and flu season is to stay healthy in the first place. Start with these basics:
hit the sack. "Number one is to get enough sleep," says Jane Murray, M.D. "Viruses are around us all the time, and it's when our immune system is lax that they can take over."
get fresh. "Eat the least amount of processed foods possible," Murray says. "The worse the diet, the worse your body's ability to repair and recover."
stay near a sink. "Wash your hands before eating and after coming into contact with people who are sick," says Erica Oberg, N.D. While you're at it, keep your fingers off your face. "Don't rub your nose and eyes," says Murray. "We definitely transmit viruses from hands to mucous membranes."
work it out. "Moderate exercise is a great strategy for preventing colds and flu," Oberg says. Stick to your regular routine. (If you do get sick, keep your contagions away from the gym, and don't work out at all if you have a fever.)
play misty. Ask your doctor if you need to be vaccinated. FluMist, the new nasal-spray flu vaccine, contains weakened live flu viruses and is approved for use in healthy people ages 5 to 49. The injectable vaccine contains killed viruses and is recommended for seniors, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. Neither vaccine, by the way, can give you the flu.
get to the root. Ginseng may have antiviral properties. University of Milan researchers gave subjects 100 milligrams daily of ginseng or a placebo, followed a month later by a flu shot. The herb group had far more success avoiding the flu.
