How to keep your body (and wallet) healthy during cold and flu season

It’s that time of year. You go to bed feeling great and you wake up like you’ve been hit by a truck. Then you spend the next week pumping yourself full of “the nighttime, sniffling, sneezing, aching, coughing, stuffy-head, fever, so you can rest medicine.” Sometimes a little Nyquil is enough, but often, the remedy isn’t that simple (or cheap). After a visit to the doctor and a bag of medicine from the pharmacy, your wallet really can take a hit. If you’re not prepared for the cold and flu season ahead, here a few things you can do to keep your body and your wallet in good shape . . .

Wash your hands (a lot): I worked at a restaurant right out of college, and that helped me get in the habit of frequent hand washings. When you’re in public, you never know who is sick and what they’ve touched. Wash your hands thoroughly when you have the opportunity, and have some Purell handy when you’re on the go.

Boost your immune system: Your body fights hard to keep you healthy, but sometimes you need to give it some extra assistance. It’s a great idea to up your intake of Vitamin C and Zinc, and make sure your diet includes substantial amounts of protein as well. Supplements like Emergen-C and Airborne are great things to keep around the house.

Get a flu shot: Nobody likes getting shots, but having the flu isn’t a great alternative. Flu shots are often available at your local pharmacy/drug store for $10-$20, which is a small price to pay to not feel awful. If you need a vaccine, here’s a helpful Vaccine Locator you can use to find options in your area.