Almost everyone loves winter, but absolutely no one loves flu season. Unfortunately, the two tend to commence right around the same time.
Anyone who's ever suffered from the flu or even the common cold knows just how utterly unpleasant a viral sickness can be, especially because they can be challenging to treat.
Usually the most you can do is rest until the virus runs its course, which is why avoiding infection all together is a much more effective plan of attack.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, between 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population contracts the flu each year, and on average, flu complications land about 200,000 Americans in the hospital each year.
Easy Ways to Help Boost Your Immune System
Luckily, aside from getting a flu shot, there are several healthy habits you can follow (and a few things you can avoid) that will help decrease your risk of getting sick, both during flu season and all year round.
A few experts weighed in with advice about what you can do in order to improve your immune response.
Dr. Kathy Gruver, Ph.D. is a health and wellness expert and the author of Conquer your Stress with Mind/Body Technique; Kusha Karvandi is a nutrition expert, personal trainer, best-selling author, and host of the Exerscribe Radio podcast; and Dr. Kalpana DePasquale is a physician and founder at St. Augustine Ear, Nose & Throat.
Continue reading to find out what they say you should do to ensure you stay healthy and flu-free all year long.
-- Katie Rosenbrock, The Active Times
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