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  • I got a flu vaccine this season.

    Good! Get the vaccine each year as soon as it's available.

    The flu vaccine -- a shot or nasal spray -- is the best way to try to avoid the flu. Get one every year to protect yourself.

  • I washed my hands many times today.

    Smart! Use a clean towel or air dry so you don't get germs when you dry.

    You don't need antibacterial soap. Plain old soap and water will wash germs away. Just wash often!

  • I used an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when I didn't have soap and water.

    Super! Keep a small bottle of hand rub with you all the time.

    Alcohol-based hand rubs can kill germs as well as soap and water -- and you can carry them with you anywhere.

  • I wiped down doorknobs and light switches in my house.

    Great! Don't forget phones and remote controls.

    Some cold and flu viruses can live on surfaces for hours. Clean things that lots of people touch so you don't spread germs.

  • I kept my hands away from my face.

    Smart! It's also good to wash your hands a lot.

    The cold virus can stay alive for a few hours. So if you touched something or someone with the virus — then you touch your mouth or nose — you could bring the germs into your body!

  • I ate a healthy diet most days this month.

    Super! Make sure to load up on fruits and veggies.

    A well-rounded diet helps make your immune system strong so you can fight off germs. Eat whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy, and lots of fruits and veggies.

  • I covered my nose and mouth with my elbow when I sneezed or coughed.

    Good! Or you can cough or sneeze into a tissue.

    Viruses can fly through the air when you cough or sneeze. Cover up — but not with your hands or you'll touch something and spread the germs that way.

  • I listened to music today to de-stress.

    Super! Next time try yoga or meditation.

    When you're stressed, your body is more open to the viruses that can cause colds. Find ways to relax so your body is prepared to fight.

  • I got at least 7-8 hours of sleep last night.

    Super! Try a warm bath before bed to help you sleep.

    When you don't get enough sleep, you often can't fight cold and flu viruses well. Find ways to get more sleep — like going to bed earlier or a relaxing bedtime routine.

  • I stayed away from people who were sick this week.

    Good! See if you can telecommute if your coworkers are sick.

    Avoid parties, friends, or family members when the cold or flu is going around. Germs are easy to pass around from person to person. Socialize when everyone's healthy!

  • I exercised 30 minutes a day most days this week.

    Super! Try walking fast, swimming, or biking.

    When your body's fit, it can work well to fight germs when they attack. When you're run down, your immune system may not fight infection as well.

  • I didn't share things — like phones and keyboards — so I didn't share germs.

    Smart! At home, use your own tube of toothpaste.

    Some cold viruses can live on surfaces for hours, so it's smart not to use things that other people touch.

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD on August 30, 2012

Sources: Sources

This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information: Sources

© 2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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