Spread more season and less sickness during gatherings and all those holiday hugs by practicing good hygiene
habits: avoid touching your face, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze (with a tissue or the inside of
your elbow), and frequently wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.

If you do get sick with cold or flu symptoms, see a doctor in less than 15 minutes:

Your body needs to stay adequately hydrated to fight off infections, including colds and flu.³ Sip water
throughout the day and add antioxidant-rich teas, broths, fruit smoothies, or other healthy liquids to count
toward your intake. Eating foods with higher water content, like cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon, berries,
and lettuces, also help keep you hydrated. Not sure how much water you need? Click here to find out.

Yes, Christmas cookies come in every color, but we’re talking about colorful, vitamin-rich vegetables and fruits. Aim to fill at least half your plate with vegetables and fruits before adding lean protein, whole grains, and heart-healthy oils, like avocado and olive oils. Red fruits have different phytonutrients than green vegetables or yellow fruits, so adding plenty of colors to your plate increases your antioxidant intake.

We all have stress, and it can often increase during the holidays. But lowering your stress levels can reduce your risk of heart disease and other illnesses – including cold and flu. Find at least one strategy that can help reduce stress, like mindfulness or cultivating gratitude. If you need ideas, here are 5 ways to practice positive thinking and reduce chronic stress.

Get support and learn coping skills with MDLIVE mental health therapy.

Commit to keeping your appointment with yourself to get some fitness time in, even if it’s only for a few minutes to start. Moving throughout the day is best, but even walking a few times a week improves your physical and mental health, reduces stress, and boosts your immune system. And if you normally sit for long periods of time, get up and move around, stretch, or walk for a few minutes every hour.

Your body needs to heal and repair during sleep, and a consistent sleep pattern can help reduce your chance of getting sick. Most adults need at least 7 hours. Staying off the phone or other electronics in the few hours before your bedtime can help you fall asleep faster and get deeper, more healing sleep through the night.
Here are more tips for establishing a healthy sleep routine and getting better sleep.

If you’re attending holiday gatherings, protect yourself and others from the flu and COVID-19 by getting vaccinated. Because childhood vaccines wear off over time, the CDC publishes an
updated list of the vaccines you need as an adult.