by Lynn Dancey Rudkin

Created on: October 30, 2009   Last Updated: November 13, 2010

Simple steps added to the common sense rules of life can help most people avoid aches, pains, drippy nose, cough, sore throat, and stuffy head by strengthening the immune system and avoiding flu, swine flu and the common cold.

When the immune system is sick, the entire body suffers. A weak immune system leaves cells open to all types of viruses and bacteria. The most effective ways to avoid illnesses are tied up in less than two dozen easy steps.

 1. Make cleanliness your watchword: keep hands as clean as a surgeon's, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

2. Drink, drink, drink. Fluids are one of the best ways to flush away germs before they gain a foothold. Water or fruit juice has advantages over caffeinated beverages.

3. Avoid caffeine, which saps your energy and negatively affects your immune system.

4. Skip the junk food. Pick healthy foods high in nutritional value, especially fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins.

5. And speaking of vitamins, make sure you have at least the minimum recommended daily amount of supplements on a regular basis.

6. Avoid refined sugar and artificial sweeteners. Try a dab of honey in your tea instead.

7. Try colloidal silver and garlic oil, both known for building the immune system.

8. Treat your body nice by getting the recommended amount of rest every night. A tired body is prone to germ attacks.

9. Exercise to keep the blood moving! Besides boosting your immune system, exercise can help you shape up.

10. Use a Neti pot to cleanse away nasal irritants. They're one of the most effective ways to prevent pollutants and germs from invading your body.

11. Follow up a steamy shower with a shot of cold water to invigorate your blood.

12. Take time for yourself: A relaxed person is a happier, healthier person.

13. Avoid, or overcome, stress, long known to have a negative effect on the immune system.

14. Avoid crowds whenever possible.

15. Keep the faith. Positive thinking will help keep you healthy. Negative thoughts will drag you down and weaken the immune system.

With your immunity built up, chances are that your illness will not be as severe or as prolonged as for other people, and you'll feel on top of the world instead of miserable..

On the off-chance that you do become ill, be prepared. Have plenty of chicken soup, a humidifier, Vitamin C, chamomile tea, acidophilus (friendly bacteria) and echinacea on hand so you won't remain a victim for long.

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