The cold and flu are always better to prevent than to treat, but avoiding them can be tricky over the fall and winter months. By developing good habits and being more mindful about your health, you’ll be able to escape this cold and flu season unscathed. Here are five tips to help you do just that.

1. Keep your hands clean

Your hands touch many surfaces throughout the day that could be harbouring all sorts of germs and viruses, so it is important to clean them regularly. Use soap and rub your hands vigorously for about 30 seconds, making sure to get between your fingers, under your nails, and the back of your hands.

Because it may not always be practical to wash your hands, it’s a good idea to carry around an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. While hand sanitizer doesn’t replace soap and water, it is useful to have for when you are out and have been touching public surfaces or are about to eat.

2. Keep your hands away from your face

Even if you wash your hands and use hand sanitizer often, you might also be absent-mindedly touching your face before cleaning away germs you have come into contact with. One of the main ways that the cold and flu are spread is by touching something contaminated and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes, where the viruses have an easier time entering the body. Avoid rubbing your eyes and try to stop if you have a nail-biting habit.

3. Avoid people who are sick

The easiest way to catch a cold or flu is through direct contact with those who are sick. If any of your friends, family members, co-workers, or acquaintances are symptomatic, then it’s best to keep your distance. Be careful who you share food and drink with and disinfect any shared surfaces you might have with someone who is sick, like doorknobs, toilet handles, phones, and keyboards.

4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

If, despite your best efforts, you do come into contact with a cold or flu virus this season, then a strong immune system will help you fight it off or get better faster. It’s important to stay active in the cold and to continue eating a balanced diet over the holidays. Make sure you’re also getting enough rest and limiting your intake of alcoholic beverages.

5. Get the seasonal flu vaccine

Help all of your efforts pay off by taking a few minutes out of your day to get the flu shot. The flu shot will immunize you against the flu strains that research has shown are likely to be most common over the coming season. By immunizing yourself, you’ll also reduce your chances of spreading the flu to others.

When it comes to avoiding the cold and flu, your best bet is to stick to these basic preventative measures as you go about your day. By staying healthy, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful winter season and the holidays to the fullest.