How to Avoid Colds & Flus

Start taking vitamins and supplements to build your immune system. People often think that vitamin C can cure a cold, but that's false. Vitamin C can help build your immune system, though, and may prevent you from catching a cold in the first place. Another supplement that can help you avoid colds and the flu is zinc.

Take immunity medications during peak cold and flu seasons. Medications such as Zicam and Airborne help build your immune system. While you shouldn't take them on a daily basis, as you can with vitamin C and zinc, these medications are helpful when cold and flu season hits. As soon as those around you start to get sick, take one of these medications to prevent catching someone else's cold.

Get a flu shot. Flu shots not only help you avoid the flu, but they are also convenient. Many grocery stores, health departments and even department stores set up clinics and offer flu shots at an affordable price. Some of these clinics even accept insurance and Medicare.

Skip crowded areas, whenever possible. Germs thrive in crowded areas. With one sneeze, someone can affect several of the people around him. If possible, shop during early or late hours, and choose to entertain friends and family after cold and flu season.

Wash your hands frequently. It's important to wash hands throughout the year, but this becomes even more important during cold and flu season. People often cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze to prevent spreading their germs, but they then touch door handles or office equipment, and the germs eventually spread to other people.

Use hand sanitizer when it's not possible to wash hands. Washing your hands isn't always possible. Carry a bottle of hand sanitizer with you. Companies such as Purell offer small bottles that can be kept in a purse or even in your pocket.