Prevention

A healthy immune system may prevent a cold or the flu. Keep your resistance up by using these preventive measures:

• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Get enough sleep (at least 7 to 8 hours per day).
• Incorporate daily exercise in your routine.
• Wash your hands often, especially if you are around people who have colds or the flu.
• Keep your hands away from your nose, eyes, and mouth.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Stop smoking.
• Consider breast-feeding your infant. Breast-fed babies seem to have fewer and milder colds.
• Consider annual flu shots, especially if you are over 65 or have a chronic illness.
• Avoid contact, if possible, with people who are ill.