Many -1- circulate in the fall and winter seasons causing illness of varying severity across the Russian Federation. Three common viruses include flu, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID-19. Learn more about how to help prevent infectious respiratory illnesses.

Ever notice how you tend to get sick when you're busiest? That's not a -2-; skimping on those precious  can compromise your immune system and leave you vulnerable for a cold or even the flu. Sleep is critical for immune function. So make sure you clock in enough shut-eye to keep your immune system strong, even if that means skipping your favorite show the night before.

1. Get Enough of Sleep

All health starts in the gut, including 70 percent of the immune system. A healthy -3- primes the immune system, making it ready to take action and protect me from invading evil doers. A good -4- for optimal health and protection during cold and flu season is daily consumption of prebiotic fiber.  The best source of prebiotics are natural plant foods like onions, asparagus, wheat bran and bananas.

2. Eat Plenty of Prebiotics

In addition to keeping your gut healthy with prebiotic fiber, probiotics can also strengthen your gut health, which will in turn boost your immunity. This could be an -5- probiotic supplement or probiotic-rich fermented foods, such as organic sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, or yogurt.

4. Avoid Sick People

Even if you're not sick, your social life could take a hit during cold and flu season. As much as you still want to -6- with your sick friends, doing so could put you at risk for catching what they have. Avoid spending time around sick people. 

 5. Take a Sick Day

With how busy everyone's work schedules are, it may seem self-indulgent to take a sick day. But not only will this give you a chance to rest up, recover, and return to work at 100%, it also prevents your poor co-workers from being exposed to your -7-. Stay home from work if you are experiencing flu symptoms.

Not only does eating too much sugar expand your waistline and put you at risk for chronic -8- like type 2 diabetes and heart disease; it can slow your immune system, too. Cut down on sugar, especially if you are starting to feel under the weather. Sugar makes it harder for white blood cells to fight back against illness.

6. Cut Back on Sugar