Prepare for cold and flu season

Days get shorter, the air gets cooler, and our calendars start to fill with holiday and party plans. It's also the time of year when our two least favorite visitors start to arrive – no, not Aunt Edna and Uncle Steve – we're talking about colds and flu.

Canada's cold and flu season tends to arrive sometime in November and linger until March of the following year. While some sniffles during this period may be inevitable, especially if you have young children at home, there are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from illness.

Here's a look at six proven steps to help you prepare for cold and flu season:

1. Take a hands-on approach. Your hands can build, comfort, carry, and help you express yourself. Unfortunately, they can also make you sick by spreading cold and flu germs. Regular hand washing can help stop the spread of germs, and keeping your hands away from your face can prevent cold viruses from entering your system through your eyes, nose, and mouth.
2. Support your immune system. A healthy immune system is better prepared to fight disease thanks to your body's natural defense systems. You can support your immune system with a nutrient-rich diet. You can also add a good quality vitamin C to your routine, such as SISU Ester-C^® Supreme.
3. Keep it clean. Cold and flu viruses can survive outside the body, especially on hard surfaces such as metal, plastic, and wood. Maintaining a clean environment by regularly disinfecting household surfaces reduces the risk of infection. Don't stop at the table and counters – make sure to clean your keyboards, computer mice, tablets, and phones as well.
4. Sleep well. With the holidays approaching, this can be a busy time of year, but it's important not to let your sleep habits suffer. When you're tired and exhausted, your immune system can weaken, making you more susceptible to illness. Adults should aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night as part of a healthy lifestyle.
5. Keep your germs to yourself. Sharing is caring, except when it comes to germs. If you get sick, avoid work or school and minimize your interactions with others. Cough or sneeze into a tissue if you have one, or into your elbow if you don't. Wash your hands often. Avoid sharing utensils, drinks, and other items that could unintentionally spread your germs to others.
6. Be prepared. Even with the best intentions and preventions, sometimes illness happens. Instead of letting colds and flu catch you off guard, plan to beat them at their own game. Consider getting a flu shot; stock your kitchen with healthy, easy-to-prepare foods; keep a supply of tissues and lozenges handy; start taking SISU Cold & Flu Rescue with Ester-C^® at the first signs of symptoms; know how many sick days you have left at work; and if you have school-aged children, ask a friend or neighbor to take them to school in your absence.