Cold and flu season is right up on us. It seems like everyone is coming back from Labor Day Weekend under the weather. There are ways for you to stay clean and healthy to avoid the seasonal sickness. Of course we all know the wash your hands and cough into your elbow trick to prevent the spread the spread of germs, but there are others.

Things like keeping your hands off your face, your nose and eyes, which are the most common places for germs to grow. Getting enough sleep helps keep your immune system on the up and up which helps fight the germs that cause sinus and stomach viruses. Even biting your nails can increase your risk of getting sick. Germs can get under your nails and biting on them is a good way to ingest those germs.

If you are already sick, it is best to take time off school until the majority of your symptoms go away for at least 24 hours, because there is a possibility you could still be contagious after a couple days. Staying hydrated is really important too. Dehydration is a common symptom and side effect  of stomach viruses, but it is easily avoided. If you are unable to keep fluids down, it is recommend that you see your physician.

Cold and flu season comes around every year. Getting sick is inevitable for some, but it’s common courtesy to do what you can to prevent your germs from spreading.