It may seem difficult to avoid common colds, viruses and infections as the cold months settle over us and someone different calls in sick to work each day. While sometimes catching a cold is just an unfortunate accident, there are steps you can take to make it less likely that your body will catch a virus, and that make it easier for your body to fight off the illness if it does hit you. While the flu vaccine may be a sensible option for those in vulnerable population groups, there are natural, healthy ways to boost your odds of staying healthy that don't involve a visit to the doctor. Eat and drink well. The way we treat our bodies has a huge impact on how our immune system deals with potential stressors like the presence of viruses and germs in our environment. One of the simplest ways we can care for our bodies and boost our immune systems is by eating and drinking the right foods, and avoiding foods that don't do us any good. For example, drinking vitamin C-rich juices from Island Origins and increasing your intake of antioxidant-packed fruits and vegetables will help strengthen your immune system, while weakening your body with alcohol, excess added sugars and other inflammatory foods can have the opposite effect. Keep your hands clean. The easiest way to pick up a common cold when it's circulating around your workplace is by touching common surfaces and then not washing your hands. The germs can quickly transfer to your mouth and then run riot through your body; ready to make you miserable for a good few days. You can avoid this by washing your hands regularly or carrying hand sanitiser around to keep the germs at bay while all of your colleagues are sneezing at their desks. Stay well rested and stress-free. Both high levels of stress and low levels of sleep can have a major impact on your immune system. If you want your immune system to have the power to fight off the influx of colds and flu viruses this winter, you'll need it to be in tip-top condition. If stress is an issue, look for calming techniques that work well for you, whether that's hitting the gym in the morning or doing some focused meditation every night before bed. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night if you want your immune system to function at its best. Make sure your kids understand cold prevention. Children can easily spread illnesses quickly between each other because they don't always know to cover their mouths when they cough or blow their nose with a tissue. If they're at an appropriate age, teach your children all about washing their hands thoroughly and practicing virus-containment strategies to make sure that the flu doesn't spread like wildfire through your home if one family member goes down. Have a battle plan. If you do fall ill, be prepared with plenty of cold and flu-tackling tools in your home. Steamy showers can do wonders for congestion, while over-the-counter painkillers and flu medicines will your best bet if the flu aches strike. Remember to get plenty of rest, keep your fluid intake up, and look after yourself so you can recover swiftly.