It’s “that time of year.” We’re in offices with coughing and sneezing co-workers, and kids are in classrooms with other students who have colds, flu, etc. So how do we avoid getting sick or once we are sick, how do we recover faster?

• Keep your immune system strong: Imagine your immune system as an army and the cold and flu viruses are the enemies. OK, that was corny, but you get the idea. We’ve all heard to load up on vitamin C to fight off winter illnesses. Vitamin C does help, as do vitamin D, elderberry, echinacea, zinc and selenium. These vitamins, minerals and herbs can be found in supplements, but also can be found in foods such as citrus fruits and leafy greens. Avoid sugar and wheat, which can compromise your immune system.
• Stay hydrated: When you have a cold or the flu, your respiratory system has to work extra hard to expel the mucus. The best way to thin the mucus and make it easier to expel is to drink plenty of water and warm liquids.
• Rest: This is not a myth. When we are sick, rest does the body good. Not to mention when we are at home resting, we are not running around with our suppressed immune systems expose to other germs and viruses.