by Steffan Fazzari

Created on: October 29, 2009   Last Updated: November 26, 2009

Catching sickness in the winter is very common and can be dreadfully annoying. With the H1N1 virus and other viruses going around, this is no time to let your guard down. Here are the five easiest ways to make sure that you stay well this winter

1. Wash your hands.

Though as simple as this may seem, this is the best and easiest way to prevent every type of sickness this winter. Germs and bacteria are easily carried around on the most used part of our body, our hands. Because of this, washing your hands is totally necessary in your fight against germs. Most people don't wash their hands long enough either. You should wash your hands for a minimum of 15 seconds. Germ-X and other hand sanitizers are a good substitute for when a sink is not readily available, but be careful not to use this product all the time as it kills everything on your hands, including the good bacteria that can prevent sickness. This can leave your hands very vulnerable. Washing with regular antibacterial soap is the best approach to fighting germs on your hands.

2. Don't eat or drink after others.

This may sound stupid, but it is a very good way to avoid getting sick. Even if the person who you are drinking or eating after isn't sick at all, they could be carrying a virus. Even just sticking your hand into a bag that others have stuck their hands into is an easy way for the germs to spread between persons.

3. Drink lots of pure water.

Drinking water flushes out your system. You know the doctor tells you to drink plenty of fluids when you get sick. This is because your body needs as much water as possible to fight off the bad bacteria inside of you. Drinking filtered water is much better than drinking tap water. Tap water can have bacteria in it and can make you sick - which is what you are trying to avoid!

4. Get plenty of rest all winter long.

Keeping on an eight-a-night schedule will help keep your body well rested. Having a well-rested body will help your immune system work better in its fight against viruses and bacteria. Taking a short nap when needed also helps your body rest.

5. Eat immune-boosting things.

The best type of fruit to eat that can help your body fight sickness are citrus fruits. Oranges and lemons are very high in vitamin C, which is the main vitamin that fuels your immune system. Orange juice and grape juice with vitamin C are very easy and effective ways to get 100% daily recommended value of vitamin C into your system. Taking your multivitamin every day also helps your system. Taking Airborne is an easy and effective way to prevent sickness this winter. There are many supplements on the market other than Airborne that can help you as well.

Following these five tips carefully should help keep you and your family well this winter season.

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