Here it comes - the cold and flu season -- and in the United States, that means most adults can expect to get at least two colds and/or the flu between September and March. Experts aren’t certain why, but they believe it’s because cold and flu viruses survive best in cold, dry weather.

What’s the best way not to get sick? Unfortunately, you can’t keep these viruses from being all around you, but there are things you can do so they can’t get to you. Here are the six top doctor-tested ways to keep these wicked viruses away.

1. Fear the germ!

Doctors and other medical professionals, have discovered ingenious ways to avoid touching hard surfaces that many other people have also touched (leaving behind cold viruses that can live for up to 24 hours). Follow their example and open doors with your forearms, and push elevator buttons with their knuckles. Keep disinfectant wipes handy and use them frequently. Remember to use them on surfaces that you are going to touch that have been touched by many others ahead of you. Things like shopping cart handles, backs of chairs, and even suitcase handles. Wash your hands frequently.

2. Hands are off limits to your face.

Virus particles must make it into lining the nose in order to cause infection; the nasopharynx -- where the nose meets the mouth -- is the “sweet spot” for these viruses. If they can reach this spot, it’s very likely you’ll get sick; if you prevent them from getting there, you won’t. Virus particles don’t easily reach the nose on their own, because they aren’t airborne. Your hands have to transport them there. If your hands don’t touch your mouth or nose, the virus has no way in. Another key part of your face to avoid with hands are your eyes. The eyes are connected directly to the nasal passages by the tear ducts. Keep your hands away from your nose and eyes, and you’ll greatly reduce your chances of catching a cold.

3. Elbows embrace the sneeze.

It may look funny when you see someone sneeze into the crook of their elbow, but they’re doing you an enormous favor. Colds and the flu are spread by coming into contact with tiny particles of viruses. So, when you sneeze, you send droplets of virus-filled mucous down onto any nearby surface; including your hand if you’ve used it to cover your mouth and nose. Both the Red Cross and the Centers for Disease Control have introduced campaigns to teach people to sneeze into their elbows to reduce the transmission of both colds and flu.

4. Sleep tight.

Researchers know those who skimp on sleep are more likely to get sick. The reason? While you sleep, your body recharges your immune system, so it’s better equipped to fight off a cold. One 2009 study at Carnegie Mellon University found that people who slept fewer than seven hours a night were three times more likely to develop a cold when exposed to a virus than those who slept eight or more hours per night.

5. Hydrate to stay healthy.

When the mucous membranes in the nose and throat are moist, they’re better equipped to fight germs. Be vigilant about staying well hydrated by drinking throughout the day. For the same reason, many doctors recommend nasal mists and saline nasal sprays at the first sign of a cold. Nasal membranes dry out even more easily in dry winter air, making them more susceptible to germs, which is one reason experts say we get most colds and flu during the winter. Drinking hot tea is another good way to keep your mucous membranes moist; the heat triggers your nasal passages to release moisture, and inhaling the steam bathes the tissues in moisture.

6. Get enough vitamins.

It’s natural at this time of year to want to arm your immune system with some of the important anti-oxidant vitamins, such as vitamins C, A, and E. In addition there is one simple and inexpensive vitamin that’s proven to boost immune function: vitamin D. Studies show that most adults don’t get enough of this nutrient from their diet alone. Experts don’t yet know exactly how vitamin D protects against colds and flu, but numerous studies show a direct association between low blood levels of vitamin D and frequency of infection. Other research supports the idea that vitamin D boosts immune function in general. OneLifeUSA’s Advanced Anti-oxidant not only has the important vitamins; A, C, and E – but has the added immune boosting benefits of garlic and Echinacea. This has been our #1 selling product for over 15 years… and for this good reason. Of course, our Brabec Basics vitamin D supplement delivers the important vitamin D3 at a price that makes everyone happy. .