Germs are easier to collect, while inside. The cold weather forces us into situations that call for rubbing elbows with those people who may have a cold or virus, some of which are loved ones in our very homes. Others, of course, we meet in the office, supermarkets, malls and during holiday parties.

We need to take clues of prevention to heart and place them in our memory bank. Knowledge alone will not protect us from colds and flu if we do not place it into action. Here are a few tips that may help you pass through the season of joy, without the red nose that only Rudolph embraces with charm.

Keep hands clean at all times. Wash your hands as many times during the day as possible. Keep in mind that clean hands resist germs. Always wash your hands with soap. If there is no soap, wash hands in hot water, and dry them well. Today there are small bottles of liquid sanitizers available to carry in your purse or pocket. Take advantage of them. They are worth the ever-so-small investment.

Cigarettes disturb respiratory tracts. If you did not quit on “Smoke Out Day,” stop today. Smoking leads into bronchitis, which can linger long enough to develop pneumonia in the lungs, leaving you with scars that last much longer than one season.

Get the flu shot. It protects more than eighty percent of folks from getting the flu.

Get plenty of rest and sleep. Get at least eight hours of sleep every night. Your immune system will love you for it.

Exercise. Build up resistance. Do workouts on a regular basis, keeping in mind that ‘once in a while’ is not enough. Achieve the aerobic level while working out, and work out at least forty-five minutes, three times a week. If three days are good, five days are excellent. Exercise zeros in on immune systems and attacks the germs.

Stay away from people who sneeze constantly. In fact, we are often times aware when a full-blown sneeze is in the making. Immediately, turn your head away from the sneezer.

Keep hands away from face. When coming into contact with a germ, it will not attack you unless you place it on your face with your hands. This simply introduces another reason to wash hands before bringing them into contact with your face.

Keep objects clean, especially your telephone. Any object that you come into contact with has have germs left on it. Therefore, it is necessary to keep them clean at all times.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Those who eat balanced meals are the very ones who protect themselves from colds and viruses.

Chicken Soup. Don’t wait until you get sick to indulge in a good ole fashioned bowl of chicken soup. Not only is it good for the soul, that bowl of nutrients is good for the body, too.

Keep a nasal decongestant on hand. If you begin to feel sniffles coming your way, take the decongestant, without waiting to see if the symptoms get worse.

Vitamin C. Take Vitamin C combined with all of the above. It will aid in protecting you from those wet sniffles. Take one each day, and wash it down with orange juice.

Quit worrying about things you can do nothing about. Do something about those things that need action. You have gotten through all other holiday seasons. You will get through this one.

Slow down, relax, sit still and enjoy the holidays. When you rise and shine, you will enjoy good health and be glad that you behaved appropriately.

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