Whether it’s the common cold, the flu, or some other infection, getting sick could mean missing time from work and feeling miserable. In addition to the impact on your physical well-being, a lengthy illness could also affect your mental and financial health. 

The good news? Taking steps to boost your immune system and practicing good hygiene can help you stay healthy.

These infection-prevention hacks can help you dodge those nasty viruses so you don’t miss a beat. And, if you do happen to be sick, you just might rebound quicker.

Importance of Hygiene

Unless you’re prepared to live life confined to a bubble, you’re going to come in contact with germs. Here’s the deal: washing your hands frequently and thoroughly is the best way to prevent getting sick. 

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds [source]. Singing “Happy Birthday” twice is a good benchmark. If you’re in public, you might want to consider singing it in your head. 

Ways to Prevent Getting Sick

Besides practicing good hand washing, you can avoid getting sick by making sure your body is prepared to fight off infections.

While multiple factors influence how your immune system functions, there are few key lifestyle choices you can make to help it perform optimally. These include: 

  • Getting enough rest
  • Making exercise a regular habit
  • Eating a balanced and nutritious diet
  • Getting an annual flu shot

What Should I Eat to Stay Healthy

What you put in your body affects the effectiveness of your bodily systems — including your immune system. 

Some people swear by taking a vitamin supplement to boost immunity, especially during cold season. 

The goal is to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables while avoiding empty calories from sugar and processed carbs. Everyone knows this. It’s putting this knowledge into practice that can be challenging.

For one thing, a busy schedules can make cooking at home a struggle. And let’s be honest: sometimes it’s hard to to find healthy recipes that taste good and fit your budget. 

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How to Stop a Cold

There’s no cure for the common cold. Unfortunately, you have to let it run its course. You can, however, take steps to feel better NOW and recover more quickly. 

  • We love Zycam. This tablet makes the whole experience of having a cold much more bearable. And it is clinically proven to shorten your cold.
  • Soups and hot drinks can be especially soothing and provide much-needed hydration. 
  • You should also try our DIY Starbucks’ Medicine Ball Recipe for a healthy and low-cost home remedy for a cold. 

For most of us, flu treatment means laying low, drinking plenty of fluids, eating healthy, and remembering the importance of hygiene so we avoid infecting our family. 

Remember These Hacks to Avoid Getting Sick

  1. Wash your hands
  2. Get enough rest
  3. Make exercise a regular habit
  4. Eat a balanced and nutritious diet
  5. Stay hydrated
  6. Get an annual flu shot

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