Preventing the common cold involves adopting good hygiene practices and making lifestyle changes to boost your immune system. One of the most effective ways to prevent colds is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after being in public places, touching shared surfaces, or being around someone who is sick. Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth, as this can introduce viruses into your body. Using hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol can also be helpful when soap and water are not available.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can strengthen your immune system and reduce your susceptibility to colds. This includes eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, getting regular exercise, staying hydrated, and getting adequate sleep. Managing stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can also support your immune health. Additionally, avoid close contact with people who are sick and consider getting an annual flu shot to reduce the risk of respiratory infections that can mimic or worsen cold symptoms.

Adults should get the Flu Shot annually to ensure optimal protection. Flu viruses change from year to year, so the vaccine is updated each season to protect against the most common strains circulating that year. Receiving the flu shot every year helps maintain immunity and ensures protection against the evolving flu virus, which can mutate significantly from one season to the next. The annual vaccination is particularly important for adults at high risk of complications, such as those aged 65 and older, pregnant women, or individuals with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, as they are more vulnerable to severe illness.

The immune response from the Flu Vaccine may decrease over time, which is why it is important to get vaccinated every year. Annual flu shots ensure that individuals remain protected against the current strains of the virus and reduce the spread of flu within communities. By getting the flu shot every year, adults contribute to herd immunity, which helps protect vulnerable populations, including infants, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems, who may not be able to receive the vaccine themselves. In addition, widespread vaccination reduces the overall burden on healthcare systems and helps prevent flu outbreaks from overwhelming medical facilities.